Hydropower is already highly automated and remotely operated; at Voith, we strive to make it intelligent

The company has had numerous projects to its name that speak of its technological expertise of catering to a multitude of use cases. One of these is the contract that needed Voith to equip a new pumped storage power plant, Frades II, in Portugal. Due to the variable speed of the pump, Frades II also accounted for variable pump capacity, providing greater flexibility to the electricity grid. “It is this combination of power storage and variable pump capacity which is crucial for the integration of volatile energy sources like wind power,” explains Wehnhardt. In another project, Voith set up a pumped storage plant in Ingula, South Africa. Through this project, the company participated in the Accelerated and shared growth initiative for South Africa (AsgiSA) for efficient energy, designed to allow foreign firms invest to aid the growth of local economy through sourcing products and services from local providers. Voith also took up the responsibility of training and employing the local residents to run the power plant upon completion. In addition to the establishment of this power plant, the company ensured the construction of quality roads and safety fixtures from Durban harbor to the plant location, upholdingthe safety of residents and workers.

Working with customers to incorporate technical and system-related data from power plants and infrastructures, Voith analyzes operational processes and develops self-learning models for sustained and decision making capabilities of hydro power plants.“We understand the data that is important for hydropower plant operators to achieve greater efficiency, flexibility and availability, for today and for the foreseeable future,” adds Wehnhardt. Voith continues to devote to the clean energy quest through the development of variable-speed technology and high head yielding turbines in the near future. Also, with the capabilities of intelligent hydropower plant, Voith is preparing its clients for the requirements of tomorrow.