Eaton is to lead an electrical life extension and modernization project at the Shasta and Keswick hydroelectric power plants in California after winning a contract from the US Bureau of Reclamation, Mid-Pacific Region.
The project will update existing generation systems at the Sacramento River dams to support more efficient energy production and improve grid stability.
Under the contract, Eaton will provide turnkey replacement of each of the station’s legacy excitation systems with modern digital solutions designed to improve voltage regulation and generation performance. Eaton will also apply intelligent power solutions, including automatic voltage regulators and touchscreen human machine interfaces (HMIs), to enable easier monitoring and remote diagnostics. The project is anticipated to be complete in 2019.
To help further optimize system reliability, Eaton’s turnkey project management will include testing, commissioning and training for all mechanical and electrical equipment, hardware and software. Additionally, Eaton will provide all labor, materials, supervision, transportation, and management necessary to assist the Bureau of Reclamation in operating and maintaining the critical hydroelectric generation assets.
The projects in California are among several recent hydropower generation assignments awarded to Eaton, including contracts from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Nashville District, to lead life extension and electrical modernization projects at the Old Hickory, Barkley, Dale Hollow and Laurel hydroelectric sites in Kentucky and Tennessee.
