The Lake Creek hydroelectric plant, located in Troy, Montana, US, officially came online in October 2024 following a successful retrofit. The project, undertaken by Canyon Hydro for owner and operator Northern Lights, involved the installation of advanced hydroelectric components designed to enhance performance and reliability.
According to Canyon Hydro, the plant’s startup proceeded smoothly. “The unit is online and the customer has accepted it,” the company stated.
A key feature of the retrofit was the integration of Vesconite Hilube components, known for their no-swell, self-lubricating properties. These components play a critical role in the plant’s operation, ensuring efficiency and reducing maintenance requirements.
The installation included a range of parts essential for the plant’s function, such as wicket gate bushings, wear pads, thrust washers, and bearing inserts. These high-performance components contribute to the smooth operation of the plant, which supplies approximately 10% of Northern Lights’ power.
The use of grease-free Vesconite Hilube components also offers an environmentally friendly advantage by preventing oil or grease contamination in this run-of-river hydroelectric application.
“Vesconite Bearings has a longstanding reputation as a trusted supplier for hydroelectric projects, and we are excited to be part of the Lake Creek Project,” said Vesconite Bearings application engineer Louis Gouws. “Our self-lubricating, no-swell Vesconite Hilube components are designed to enhance the longevity and reliability of equipment, and the Lake Creek installation demonstrates their effectiveness in real-world applications.”
