FEDA's Encamp Hydro Plant Resumes After Six-Week Maintenance
Andorra's FEDA completed complex repairs on its Encamp hydroelectric facility, replacing aging Pelton wheels and inspecting the Canal Valira. The key asset now generates power reliably after draining pipelines and enforcing strict safety protocols.
Key Points
- Pelton wheels replaced in turbine groups 2 and 3 with EDF Hydro collaboration and custom redesigns.
- Foot valve repaired in group 1 after draining Canal Valira for inspections.
- Ransol dam refilled prior to full reactivation.
- Facility draws from Canal Valira to Engolasters Lake, vital for Andorra's energy.
FEDA's Encamp hydroelectric plant has restarted operations after a six-week maintenance shutdown, with workers replacing Pelton wheels in two turbine groups and repairing a valve in the third.
The facility, which draws water from the Canal Valira to feed Engolasters Lake, paused generation to address aging components originally designed in the 1930s. Teams collaborated with EDF Hydro to swap out the Pelton wheels in groups 2 and 3, requiring custom redesigns for compatibility. The lift involved meticulous safety steps, including platform levelling, dual securing of the wheels, exclusion zone management, and structural bracing to minimize risks during hoisting and installation.
For group 1, crews repaired the foot valve by draining the forced pipeline connected to Engolasters Lake. The full Canal Valira drainage allowed comprehensive inspections to spot potential damage, avert leaks, and secure water flow for power output and lake supply without service interruptions.
Before reactivation, the Ransol dam was refilled. FEDA emphasized the delicate nature of the wheel replacement and the importance of Canal Valira upkeep to prevent issues affecting electricity production or water delivery.
The plant, vital to Andorra's energy infrastructure, now operates fully.
Related Articles
Other articles from Catalan-language sources about the same story:
- El Periòdic•
La central hidroelèctrica d’Encamp recupera el funcionament després de sis setmanes aturada per manteniment
- Diari d'Andorra•
La central hidroelèctrica d’Encamp torna a generar electricitat després de sis setmanes d’aturada
- Altaveu•
La central hidroelèctrica de FEDA torna a produir després d'una aturada tècnica per manteniment