Renovation of Maureille Hydropower Plant in France Enters Civil Works Phase

en.Wedoany.com Reported - The comprehensive renovation project of the Maureille hydropower plant in the Aude department of France has entered the civil works phase. Located in Espéraza, the project is invested by the electricity producer Gavota, with SERHY Ingénierie responsible for project management and design coordination. The renovation works started in April this year, with the dismantling of the original electromechanical equipment lasting until early June, followed by the renovation of hydraulic structures and equipment foundations. The project is scheduled for completion and recommissioning in April 2027.

This project involves a comprehensive upgrade of the plant's existing power generation system. The current three units, comprising two Francis turbines with spiral casings and one double-regulated Kaplan turbine, will all be dismantled during the renovation. The new unit configuration is adjusted to two double-regulated Kaplan turbines, to be installed in the two existing spiral casings on the right bank, along with adaptive modifications to the associated hydraulic structures, equipment interfaces, and auxiliary facilities.

In terms of on-site progress, the project has completed the dismantling of major old equipment, freeing up working space for the construction of new unit foundations and water conduit structures. Project documentation indicates that the civil works were originally scheduled to start at the end of June, and the project has now entered the implementation phase in line with this schedule. Subsequent construction will focus on the installation conditions for the two Kaplan units, creating the groundwork for the arrival of turbine-generator equipment, auxiliary systems, and electrical facilities.

The renovation also involves ecological and water environment management during the construction period. ECCEL Environnement has completed the project's environmental impact documentation and is responsible for ecological monitoring and water quality testing during the construction phase. ALBERT & FILS, MTI Mécanique et Travaux Industriels, Ets LOUP, and BBF are among the companies involved in various construction and equipment aspects of the project.

One of the project's implementation objectives is to meet the conditions of the 500 kW H16 OA power purchase agreement. It should be noted that the 500 kW figure in public sources corresponds to the capacity rating under the power purchase agreement the project aims to secure, and does not directly equate to the total installed capacity of all equipment at the renovated plant. The project owner has not yet disclosed the individual rated power of the two new Kaplan units or the total investment in the renovation.

Gavota has been operating the Maureille hydropower plant since 2018, with its registered activities including electricity production using the hydraulic energy of the Aude River. This project is not a new hydropower development but rather a unit replacement and system upgrade carried out on the basis of the existing powerhouse and hydraulic structures. According to the current schedule, following the completion of civil works, the project will transition to the installation and commissioning of the new units and associated equipment, with recommissioning in April 2027 as the current target milestone.