Nam Ngiep 2 hydro plant resumes electricity generation

VIENTIANE (Vientiane Times/ANN) - The Nam Ngiep 2 hydropower plant in Xieng Khuang province resumed electricity generation last month following repairs to the plant’s hydraulic turbine generators by Toshiba Hydro Power (Hangzhou) Co., Ltd.

Invested and constructed by China International Water & Electric Corp., a company affiliated to the China Three Gorges Corporation, the Nam Ngiep 2 plant has three hydraulic turbine-generator units with a maximum head of 490m, rated speed of 600r/min and rated capacity of 60WM/68.6MVA.

With an installed gross capacity of 180MW, an annual average power generation of 721 million kWh and a total investment of US$354 million, the plant is mainly dedicated to power generation, flood prevention, irrigation and tourism.

In May 2012, Toshiba Hydro Power signed a supply and technical service contract for three vertical Francis type hydraulic turbine-generator units with a capacity of 60MW per unit and accessory equipment.

After over three years of designing and manufacturing, three hydraulic turbine-generator units with high water head and high speed were put into service at the plant in September 2015, receiving high praise from clients for their reliability and performance, according to a press release from the company.

However, the power station under construction upstream suffered a dam collapse on September 11, 2017, and large amount of slurry flooded into the powerhouse, inundating and severely damaging the three hydraulic turbine-generator units at the Nam Ngiep 2 plant.

The plant broke down and caused a serious power shortage, especially in the north-east of Laos, affecting the local economy and the lives of local residents.

After the accident, Toshiba Hydro Power immediately initiated the client demand-centred coping mechanism after being notified by its client and assigned technicians to conduct an on-site investigation as soon as possible. After an urgent discussion by the production and technical departments, a list of supplies and equipment for repair was determined with the client, the press release said.

Toshiba Hydro Power gave priority to the manufacturing equipment needed for the urgent repair of the Nam Ngiep 2 plant and provided delivery at the fastest speed with the best quality.

During the repair period, the company’s team provided ongoing service 24 hours a day on a 7-day basis, promptly settling various issues that arose and ensuring the timely completion of repairs.

The three units at the Nam Ngiep 2 plant resumed power generation on schedule, alleviating power shortages and making a significant contribution to the development of the Lao economy, along with  proving the comprehensive strength of Toshiba Hydro Power in the execution of overseas projects.

Source(s)

  • Vientiane Times

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