Operator Ontario Power Generation is overhauling the plant that has been supplying electricity to the grid for over a 100 years. Voith will supply the turbine runner, shaft, and wicket gates of Unit #8. The overhaul will be complete in early 2012.
“Refurbishing Decew Falls means restoring valuable capacities for electricity generation from renewable energy sources for the 21st century. Service and refurbishment are a fundamental part of our portfolio and in strong demand by power plant operators. In times of rising energy demand we can make a significant contribution to the security of supply by refurbishing plants”, said Dr. Roland Muench, CEO of Voith Hydro Holding.
Voith had been the original equipment supplier for Decew Falls 1. Early in the 20th century, the owner, Hamilton Cataract Power Company, ordered four turbine units in Heidenheim for the plant located in direct vicinity to the Niagara falls. With delivery from 1904 to 1912, these units were amongst the first ones Voith supplied to North America.
