The New York Power Authority awarded Hitachi a contract to upgrade the pump-turbine units at the 1000-MW Blenheim-Gilboa Power Project in Gilboa, N.Y. The plant, which consists of four Hitachi 250-MW pump-turbine units, has been producing commercial power since 1973. The plant generates approximately 1.5 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity per year.
The work to be performed by Hitachi is part of a Life Extension and Modernization Program (LEM) and includes replacing/rehabilitating runners, wicket gates, head covers, and bottom rings. A pump-turbine model runner design and test is also included. Hitachi will begin overhaul work in 2006 and continue one per year until all are completed in 2010.
The New York Power Authority is America’s largest state-owned power organization, providing electricity in New York State and operating 17 generating facilities and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines.