GE completes new 500MW Hydropower plant in Turkey

GE Renewable Energy has successfully completed the Lower Kaleköy Hydropower plant at the Lower Kaleköy Dam in Turkey.

Now that the last of the three units has been attached to the grid, the plant has entered into complete commercial service. As the consortium leader, Hydro Solutions has provided a total of three 155 MW of Vertical Francis Turbines, including the control system, the balance of the project and the hydroelectric power station.

With its installed capacity of 500 MW, Lower Kaleköy will be Turkey’s sixth largest hydropower plant with installed capacity built by the private sector. Thanks to the new factory, about one million residents will be supplied with renewable energy.

“Today Turkey is only using 60% of its economical hydroelectrical potential. For us at Kalehan Energy, the Lower Kaleköy hydropower plant is a crucial milestone in making our vision a reality of Turkey utilizing its national hydroelectric energy potential in the most efficient way and supplying its energy demand in an environmentally–friendly, clean and sustainable manner. Lower Kaleköy is also the first of its kind hydropower plant in Turkey with a composite dam body design, which comprise both, a reinforced concrete dam body and an Asphalt Core Embankment Dam. In addition, it is the first hybrid power plant in Turkey with 500 MW hydro and 80 MW solar powerplant under the same license.”

Gültekin Keles, general manager at Kalehan Energy Group.

GE Hydro Solutions built the turbines at its production facility in Taubate, Brazil. The first unit was finished by May 2020. Units two and three followed in November and December last year, allowing Kalehan Energy to commercialize the power plant.

“Congratulations to Kalehan Energy and all the parties involved on the successful start of commercial operations of the Lower Kaleköy Hydropower plant. The fact that the plant is now up and running is clear proof of the commitment and the resilience of the entire team that completed the project against the backdrop of the pandemic and the challenges that came with it. Congratulations to Kalehan Energy and all the parties involved on the successful start of commercial operations of the Lower Kaleköy Hydropower plant. The fact that the plant is now up and running is clear proof of the commitment and the resilience of the entire team that completed the project against the backdrop of the pandemic and the challenges that came with it.”

Pascal Radue, CEO of GE Renewable Energy Hydro Solutions.