Alstom Hydro strengthens R&D capabilities in India with launch of its new Global Technology Centre

Six months after the launch of the worlds largest hydro R&D facility in Grenoble, France, Alstom Hydro today inaugurated a Global Technology Centre for hydroelectricity in India, further strengthening its position in the global hydro market where it is already leader with 25%.

Located at Alstoms existing Vadodara hydro manufacturing site** in Gujarat state, the Global Technology Centre includes a Pelton turbine scale model test laboratory, with one of the highest head testing capacities in the world. The laboratory also houses a silt abrasion test-rig, used to carry out research on new abrasion protective solutions, particularly important for the Indian market.

India is the worlds biggest market for Pelton turbines. By focusing on the specific issues of the Indian hydro market, the new Global Technology Centre at Vadodara will enable Alstom to develop highly innovative integrated products and technologies for new and rehabilitation projects. This centre is essential in reducing time-to-market for hydro products and technologies in response to constantly changing customer needs,» said Philippe Cochet, President of Alstom Hydro.

Researchers at the Vadodara site will work in close collaboration with Alstom Hydros Global Technology Centre in Grenoble, France, which is experienced in Pelton design and model testing. Together, the two Global Technology Centres secure Alstoms position as market leader by providing high-tech R&D facilities for the entire range of hydro turbines.

About Alstom
Alstom is a global leader in the world of power generation and rail infrastructure and sets the benchmark for innovative and environmentally friendly technologies. Alstom builds the fastest train and the highest capacity automated metro in the world, and provides turnkey integrated power plant solutions and associated services for a wide variety of energy sources, including hydro, nuclear, gas, coal and wind. The Group employs 76,000 people in 70 countries, and had orders of 23.5 billion in 2007/08.

About Alstom Hydro
Alstom Hydro is a joint venture between Alstom and Bouygues and has over 400GW of turbines and generators installed worldwide which represent more than 25% of the total global hydropower installed capacity. As the world leader in supply of hydropower equipment & services, Alstom Hydro offers products and solutions that cover all hydropower schemes, from large to small, from run-of-river to pumped storage. With 5500 employees in 19 countries Alstom Hydro offers the broadest range of products and services for new installations, refurbishment, upgrading and services.

Editors Notes
**In operation since 1st December 1999, the Vadodara production facility is one of Alstoms major hydro manufacturing sites and a key supplier to both the Indian and export market.

Enquiries (Alstom Power):
Susanne Shields
Trade Press Relations Officer
Tel. +33 1 41 49 27 22
susanne.shields@power.alstom.com

Enquiries (Alstom Projects India Ltd):
Rachana Panda
Director- Corporate Communications
Tel.: +91 124 422 1100
rachana.panda@power.alstom.com