GE Vernova has secured an order from Dominion Energy South Carolina to modernize two hydropower units at the Saluda hydropower plant. This project aims to enhance the facility’s performance, reliability, and operational lifespan.
The modernization includes installing GE Vernova’s patented aerating turbine technology to increase dissolved oxygen levels in the Saluda River, improving water quality and supporting aquatic life. “Investing in their replacement will help maintain the facility’s long-term reliability and, most importantly, continue to safely serve our customers for many years to come,” said Iris Griffin, Dominion Energy’s Vice President of Generation.
Saluda, operational since 1930, features five Francis hydropower units and currently produces 206MW of power. The plant originally supported Columbia’s textile industry and provided flood control, water supply, and recreational opportunities. The dam also created Lake Murray, a 48,000-acre reservoir widely used for recreation today.
GE Vernova’s work will include engineering, procurement, construction, and installation of new turbines for Units 1 and 3, along with refurbishing the Unit 3 generator. The retrofit is expected to be completed by 2027.
Frederic Ribieras, GE Vernova’s Hydro Power CEO, emphasized the long-term impact: “This project shows that through both electricity generation and water management, hydropower can provide many benefits to communities, for a very long time.”
Hydropower provides 27% of the US’ renewable energy generation, according to the Department of Energy. GE Vernova sees this project as part of a broader opportunity to upgrade the aging hydropower infrastructure nationwide.
