Andritz Hydro harnesses Asia's vast hydropower potential

Hydroelectric power is one of the most significant sources of energy globally. Accounting for 20 per cent of the world's total electric supply, hydropower is the world's largest renewable power source, with some of the biggest hydropower plants located in China.

Global engineering giant Andritz Hydro focuses on applying its knowledge in hydroelectricity production to fulfil the demand for flexible, cost-efficient and sustainable sources of energy.

"We exist to keep the environment, people and technology in perfect harmony," says Heinz Duner, co-managing director of Andritz Hydro in Switzerland.

With a strategic programme on renewable energy, Switzerland has 556 hydropower plants that generate 56 per cent of the country's electricity needs. Andritz Hydro's Swiss operation has been instrumental in developing and maintaining Switzerland's plants. Intent on servicing emerging markets, the company also supports the larger Andritz Group's operations in Asia.

"We find solutions to any challenge. We want to share our knowledge, reduce plant operation costs and constantly improve service times to satisfy our customers," says Christian Dubois, co-managing director of Andritz Hydro in Switzerland.

Located in Kriens, Andritz Hydro specialises in customised Pelton turbines with patented MicroGuss runners and coating protection using high-velocity flame spraying. Tailored runners and coated parts ensure efficient and longer-lasting hydroplant operation. Maintaining a research centre, the company invests in improving its turbines to increase efficiency, achieving optimised returns on investment for clients.

Andritz Hydro has been commissioned by some of the world's largest hydroplant and dam contractors. It manufactured and installed three Pelton turbines in Bieudron, Switzerland, earning the machine two world records for its capacity to operate under extreme conditions.

Scaling up renewable energy generation in Asia, Andritz Hydro provides rehabilitation and modernisation services to power plants in the region.

"The potential of hydropower in Asia is enormous," Dubois says. "We'd like to be part of its development."

Andritz Hydro www.andritz-hydro.com