Voith and HeiTech will modernize the Temengor, Bersia, and Kenering hydropower plants to boost operational lifespan and increase annual output.
The Temengor, Bersia, and Kenering hydropower plants in Malaysia are set to get an upgrade to a total capacity of 472 MW: Voith and HeiTech Padu Berhad were awarded a contract to modernize these three hydropower plants to extend their operational lifespan and increase the annual output of select turbine-generator units.
“This order represents a significant milestone for Voith and highlights the company's ongoing commitment and exceptional performance, while also reinforcing its goal to strengthen its presence in Southeast Asia’s hydropower market and advance its global development strategy,” said Hubert Geissberger, Head of Proposals at Voith Hydro.
The Sungai Perak-based project includes:
Temengor hydropower station: four 100-MW Francis turbines
Bersia plant: three vertical 24-MW Kaplan turbines
Kenering station: three 40-MW Francis turbines.
The Bersia Group control center, which operates and controls all the river cascade power stations, will receive an upgrade.
The multimillion-euro rehabilitation includes the turbine-generator units, automation systems, and electrical and mechanical balance of plant auxiliary power station systems. The Temengor Hydropower Station is expected to achieve a 15% boost in output capacity.
"This modernization of our hydropower stations by Voith and HeiTech represents a significant step towards ensuring a sustainable and reliable energy supply in Malaysia,” according to a representative from plant operator TNB Power Generation. “We look forward to this collaboration and the positive impact this project will have on our energy infrastructure, supporting TNB’s energy transition initiatives.”
The modernization initiative reflects Malaysia’s commitment to maintaining and upgrading its hydropower assets while ensuring reliable and sustainable energy supplies. Post-upgrade, the three stations are poised to deliver enhanced performance and renewed operational excellence.
Outside view of the Temengor hydropower station, one of the three plants included in the modernization scope. Credit: Voith
Hydropower News
Earlier this week, GE Vernova commissioned the first of four 250-MW hydropower variable speed units at the Tehri Pumped Storage Hydropower Plant to allow for short response times to load changes, giving the network greater flexibility.
“With this project, Tehri will become India’s first power plant to use variable speed pumped storage technology and the country’s most modern hydropower station,” said Frederic Ribieras, CEO of GE Vernova’s hydropower business. “With fast transition between the turbine and pump operation, the four new units are expected to enable power control, leading to significantly improved grid flexibility. These are all crucial capabilities as more renewables are integrated into the country’s energy mix.”
In India, there is approximately 51 GW of installed hydropower capacity, positioning the nation as the fifth globally in hydroelectric capacity.
For this project, GE Vernova will integrate four doubly-fed induction motor generators and the associated pump turbines with the power electronics and control systems.
