All four units at NHPC’s Uri II (4×60 MW) hydropower project in Jammu & Kashmir, India, have been successfully placed into operation, Alstom has announced.

The four units were commissioned in phases, with Unit 1 and 3 synchronised in September 2013, Unit 2 in November 2013 and Unit 4 in February 2014. The work was carried out on target, said Alstom, despite limited water availability during commissioning and other challenges in terms of a difficult terrain.

Alstom was awarded the Uri II contract by NHPC in 2007. The scope of work included turnkey execution of the electro-mechanical package comprising of hydro turbines, generators and auxiliaries. Last year, the hydro project achieved a major milestone when all four 60MW Francis vertical turbines installed by Alstom successfully completed the spinning of the four units in less than 24 hours.

“Following the successful execution, this project is certainly amongst major references for Alstom Hydro in India," said Frederic Teyssedou, Unit Managing Director, Alstom Hydro India. "The team overcame the challenges presented by the project and worked relentlessly to stick to the timelines. The completion of the project and satisfaction of our customer is testimony of the efforts and commendable work done by the team."

Image: Machine hall view of the Uri 2 hydro power plant, India ©Alstom