Francis runner upgrade modernizes Galician hydropower plant

Voith has been awarded a contract to supply two new Francis runners for the Santa Uxía hydropower station, supporting a targeted modernization program aimed at improving efficiency, operating flexibility and long-term reliability.

From service engagement to capital upgrade
The project represents Voith’s first major supply agreement with the plant operator, following several successful service interventions. These earlier activities provided detailed insight into the station’s operational constraints and performance objectives, which proved decisive during the competitive tender process.

Rather than focusing solely on component replacement, the contract reflects a broader asset-optimization approach. Voith was selected based on its ability to align hydraulic redesign with the existing turbine configuration, avoiding disruptive changes to the plant’s technical layout.

Scope focused on efficiency and lifetime extension
Santa Uxía operates two vertical Francis spiral turbines. The new runners are designed to expand the operating range of the units while maintaining full compatibility with existing civil works and mechanical interfaces.

Voith’s scope includes runner delivery, dismantling and installation support, as well as refurbishment of selected turbine components. The hydraulic redesign targets measurable gains in efficiency and reduced mechanical wear, contributing to lower operating expenditure and extended service intervals over the remaining asset life.

Maintaining infrastructure, improving performance
By retaining the existing turbine layout, the modernization minimizes downtime and capital intensity while delivering performance improvements. This approach is increasingly relevant for mid-life hydropower assets, where operators seek efficiency gains and flexibility to support variable generation without large-scale reconstruction.

Strengthening Voith’s regional footprint
The Santa Uxía project reinforces Voith’s service and modernization presence in Spain and supports its broader European strategy of converting long-term OPEX relationships into selective CAPEX upgrades. The contract demonstrates how detailed operational knowledge and lifecycle-focused engineering can translate into equipment modernization opportunities within existing hydropower fleets.