GE Renewable Energy has signed a refurbishment contract with the Turlock Irrigation District to modernize the powerhouse of the Don Pedro hydropower plant in California, which is jointly owned by TID and Modesto Irrigation District. Upon completion of the refurbishment project, the maximum capacity of the facility will increase from 203 MW to approximately 268 MW. This amount of energy is sufficient to meet the energy needed to power approximately 150,000 homes. The new units will increase the power plant's efficiency, operating range and have a design life of 50 years. The scope of the project includes the replacement of 4 turbines and 3 generators and the repair of one additional generator. The main objective of the refurbishment is to maintain the overall plant equipment reliability for another five decades to come. In addition, the replacement of the units will increase their efficiency and performance in a way that responds to the growing needs of TID and MID customers. This upgrade will also help the Districts accomplish long term clean energy goals, and capture more flexible, fast ramping capacity for grid support. Beyond providing electricity to the region, the Don Pedro power plant has another important mission. The original dam was built in 1923, with a storage capacity of only 289,000 acre-feet, the original dam held virtually enough water to accommodate farmers’ irrigation needs for a single growing season. Recognizing the need for increased storage to weather multiple dry year periods, the new Don Pedro Project, including the current dam and powerhouse, was built, creating a 2,030,000 acre-feet reservoir, not only providing for irrigation needs but also creating opportunities for recreation, flood control, and increased generation.
GE Renewable Energy has signed a refurbishment contract with the Turlock Irrigation District to modernize the powerhouse of the Don Pedro hydropower plant in California, which is jointly owned by TID and Modesto Irrigation District. Upon completion of the refurbishment project, the maximum capacity of the facility will increase from 203 MW to approximately 268 MW. This amount of energy is sufficient to meet the energy needed to power approximately 150,000 homes. The new units will increase the power plant's efficiency, operating range and have a design life of 50 years. The scope of the project includes the replacement of 4 turbines and 3 generators and the repair of one additional generator. The main objective of the refurbishment is to maintain the overall plant equipment reliability for another five decades to come. In addition, the replacement of the units will increase their efficiency and performance in a way that responds to the growing needs of TID and MID customers. This upgrade will also help the Districts accomplish long term clean energy goals, and capture more flexible, fast ramping capacity for grid support. Beyond providing electricity to the region, the Don Pedro power plant has another important mission. The original dam was built in 1923, with a storage capacity of only 289,000 acre-feet, the original dam held virtually enough water to accommodate farmers’ irrigation needs for a single growing season. Recognizing the need for increased storage to weather multiple dry year periods, the new Don Pedro Project, including the current dam and powerhouse, was built, creating a 2,030,000 acre-feet reservoir, not only providing for irrigation needs but also creating opportunities for recreation, flood control, and increased generation.
