Alstom to retrofit the low pressure steam turbines in Eskoms Kriel coal-fired power station in South Africa

South Africas largest public utility company, Eskom, has awarded Alstom a contract to retrofit the low pressure steam turbines in its Kriel coal-fired power station. The contract is valued at approximately 110 million.

The retrofit on the six 500 MW units at the Kriel power station covers the supply, installation, testing and commissioning of 12 low pressure turbine inner modules and the supply of two spare low pressure rotors. Installation is scheduled to begin in June 2014.

The primary focus of the project is to ensure sustainable availability and reliability of the 3,000 MW that the Kriel power station supplies to the national grid. A further advantage is the increase in plant efficiency through the use of state-of-the-art steam turbine technology.

Hans-Peter Meer, Senior Vice President of Alstom Thermal Services stated, our cooperation with Eskom on the Kriel refurbishment will help ensure a reliable and sustainable energy supply for South Africa. This project demonstrates Alstoms dedication to not only design and deliver state-of-the-art technology but also to support Eskom and South Africas objectives in localising expertise in the country through training and the creation of a local supply chain for high tech products.

This retrofit contract follows Alstoms recent successful refurbishment of Eskoms Arnot coal-fired power plant where the total plant capacity was increased by 180 MW.

Alstom has also retrofitted steam turbines in Koeberg, South Africas only nuclear power station and increased its capacity by over 60 MW. 

This contract further consolidates Alstoms 100 year presence in South Africa. Eskom is Alstoms largest customer there and one of the biggest globally. Both share a longstanding commitment to ensure a reliable power supply in South Africa, where Alstom-made turbines generate more than 80% of the countrys installed capacity.

Alstom is also involved in building the Medupi and Kusile plants which will be Africas largest coal-fired power stations.