Voith to Modernize the Čierny Váh Pumped-Storage Power Plant in Slovakia
The Voith team at the Čierny Váh pumped-storage power plant. From left to right: Peter MacLennan, President and CEO EMEA at Voith Hydro; Eva Ondrovičová, Manager of Representative Office Slovak and Czech Market at Voith Hydro; Radu Carja, Chief Sales Officer at Voith Hydro; Robert Gruber, Project Manager at Voith Hydro; Raimund Gabriel, Offer Project Manager at Voith Hydro. (Image source: Voith GmbH & Co. KGaA)
“The energy sector is undergoing a fundamental transformation, increasing the need for technologies that can respond flexibly to changing grid conditions,” said Branislav Strýček, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Slovenské elektrárne. “SE Integrátor is an investment in the future of Slovakia’s energy system. Today’s signing marks the point where an ambitious vision moves into implementation, together with our key technology partners, Voith Hydro and GE Energy Power. By combining our experience and expertise, we will strengthen grid stability, enable greater integration of renewable energy sources and build on the strengths of Slovakia’s existing energy infrastructure.”
The scope of supply for the 44-year-old power plant, which has an installed capacity of 735 MW, includes hydraulic and electro-mechanical equipment. Voith will supply two new vertical, two-stage radial pumps, each with a capacity of 104.6 MW, as well as two Francis turbines, with a capacity of 134.6 MW each. In addition, two variable-speed synchronous motor-generators, each with a rated apparent power of 132.3 MVA, enable flexible operation and support the integration of fluctuating renewable energy sources into the power grid.
Four spherical valves will be modernized and two new vertical gear couplings will be supplied. The scope also includes new excitation, electrical protection and monitoring systems—including the OnCare.HealthHydro condition monitoring system—as well as a hydromechanical and digital governor system and mechanical auxiliary equipment. Voith is also responsible for on-site installation, commissioning, and efficiency verification for Slovakia’s largest pumped-storage power plant, which has an annual generation capacity of approximately 200 GWh.
“With the modernization of Čierny Váh, we demonstrate the central importance of pumped-storage hydro technology in securing a stable and flexible energy supply for Slovakia,” said Peter MacLennan, President and CEO EMEA at Voith Hydro. “By combining pumped-storage and battery storage, the project optimizes grid flexibility, reduces overall system cost, and makes efficient use of renewable energy sources for decades to come.”
The first unit (TG2) is scheduled for completion in June 2030, and the second (TG1) in April 2031.
Source: Voith GmbH & Co. KGaA
