GE Renewable Energy signed a contract with the Turlock Irrigation District (TID) to modernize the powerhouse of the 203 MW Don Pedro hydropower plant in California, which is jointly owned by TID and Modesto Irrigation District (MID).
The scope of the project includes replacing four turbines and three generators and repairing the other generator. The main objective of the refurbishment is to maintain overall plant equipment reliability for another five decades. In addition, replacement of the units will increase their efficiency and performance to respond to the growing needs of TID and MID customers. Upon completion, the maximum capacity of the facility will increase to about 268 MW. The new units will increase the power plant’s efficiency and operating range and have a design life of 50 years.
This upgrade will also help the districts accomplish long-term clean energy goals and capture more flexible, fast ramping capacity for grid support. “The Don Pedro hydropower plant is critical to TID and MID, and we look forward to 50 more years of reliable operation. The modernization effort will enhance the efficiency and performance of the plant, and enable continued support of our grids and customers,” said Brad Koehn, TID’s chief operating officer.
Beyond providing electricity, the Don Pedro power plant has another important mission. The original dam was built in 1923, with a storage capacity of 289,000 acre-feet, and held 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, providing for irrigation needs but also creating opportunities for recreation, flood control and increased generation.
