Trends and Challenges of New Technologies for Pumped-Storage Hydropower Plants

On March 7th, in Hanoi, VOITH Hydro Group (Germany), in collaboration with Vietnam Electricity (EVN), organized a technical workshop to introduce the trends and challenges of new technologies for advanced pumped-storage hydropower plants.

The workshop was attended by Mr. Pham Hong Phuong, Deputy General Director of EVN, leaders of specialized departments, and the Power Projects Management Board 1, 2, and 3, as well as Power Engineering Consulting Joint Stock Company 1, 2, 3, and 4.

At the workshop, the Deputy General Director of EVN, Pham Hong Phuong, stated that facing the demand for ensuring energy security alongside sustainable economic development, the electricity sector is confronted with many challenges to ensure sufficient and high-quality electricity supply at a reasonable cost. At the United Nations Climate Change Conference 2021 (COP-26), the Vietnamese Government made a strong commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050, in line with the European Union's Green Deal, aiming for a prosperous society with a modern economy, efficient and competitive resource utilization, while gradually phasing out coal power in the coming years.

Alongside the ongoing electrification process of the energy system and the development of decentralized energy sources, researching and investing in advanced pumped-storage hydropower projects contribute to realizing these goals in Vietnam. Therefore, EVN, in collaboration with VOITH Hydro, organized this workshop to learn from international experiences, thereby conducting research and application in upcoming advanced pumped-storage hydropower projects in Vietnam.

During the workshop, VOITH Hydro provided an overview of the variable-speed machine concept, the technology of adjustable-speed turbines, and various turbine models.

VOITH Hydro Group, established in 1867, is one of the leading providers of electro-mechanical equipment and technical services in hydropower worldwide, including advanced pumped-storage hydropower technology.

The delegation from EVNPECC4, led by Deputy General Director Vuong Anh Dung, participated in the technical workshop on introducing trends and challenges in new technologies for advanced pumped-storage hydropower plants. During the workshop, EVNPECC4 exchanged information on the project implementation and consulted with Vietnam Electricity on specific design issues, especially regarding using speed-regulating units. With the presentations by VOITH Hydro (Germany), the delegation had the opportunity to learn about new manufacturing technologies applicable to advanced pumped-storage hydropower plants, particularly in the design process.