FEDA Completes €2.5M Hydro Overhaul Boosting Andorra Capacity by 1,000kW

FEDA has finalised a €2.5 million overhaul of its three hydroelectric units at the central plant, securing reliable operation for the next 20 years and adding 1,000kW to capacity.

The five-year effort, started in 2020, involved complete disassembly of machines some 90 years old, with original parts never before replaced. Teams inspected alternators, insulation, and high-wear components, replacing heavy elements over 30 tons. Work began with an assessment of the newest unit (group 3) in 2020, followed by material stockpiling in 2021, a one-year halt for custom parts on older groups from 1934, and then full maintenance. Group 1 finished in December and is now in intensive testing to spot issues early. All three units run at full load, with group 2 showing higher output and group 1 greater efficiency and water savings via new injectors.

FEDA's in-house staff led the project with technical and human support from Électricité de France (EDF). These units generate 15-20% of Andorra's electricity, mainly during peak-price hours using the Engolasters reservoir to maintain competitive consumer rates. The capacity gain matches output from the Grau Roig solar plant.

At Wednesday's event in the Hydroelectric Museum, Operations and New Infrastructure Director Jordi Travé and workshop head Serafí Vall outlined achievements. Travé highlighted the energy boost and lifespan extension, calling the units "practically new" and noting their 100% renewable output aids during high import costs. He explained production targets expensive import slots, enabled by Engolasters.

Travé provided updates on future plans, prioritising the Maià peak wind farm technical project while advancing a preliminary design for a new L'Ospitalet hydroelectric plant in partnership with EDF and France's water agency. The goal is boosting winter production, when demand triples summer levels and prices rise. Details on costs and collaboration remain under review in this early avantproject stage.