International technology group ANDRITZ, in partnership with Slovak engineering firm VUJE, has been awarded a contract by VODOHOSPODARSKA VYSTAVBA to modernize the Gabcikovo hydroelectric power plant on the Danube River. The plant is the largest hydroelectric facility in Slovakia and accounts for approximately 10% of the country's electricity production, making this upgrade critical for national energy security.
The comprehensive modernization project will focus on renewing the plant's electromechanical equipment, which currently has a total capacity of 720 MW. The order value is in the mid three-digit million-euro range and has been included in ANDRITZ's order intake for the third quarter of 2026.
The project involves the gradual refurbishment of the eight Kaplan turbine-generator units to bring them up to the latest technical standards. The primary goals are to improve efficiency and availability while extending the service life of the key operating equipment by at least 30 years. This will ensure the plant remains a reliable source of renewable energy for decades to come.
ANDRITZ and VUJE will handle the full scope of supply, including model testing, engineering, manufacturing, installation, and commissioning. The work will cover modernization of critical turbine and generator components, automation systems, excitation, protection, and control systems, as well as renewal of transformers and auxiliary electrical systems.
To minimize disruption, the modernization will be carried out sequentially, allowing the plant to continue operations while units are upgraded one by one. This approach is designed to maintain availability and reduce the impact on Slovakia's power grid during the transition.
The Gabcikovo plant is a central component of Slovakia's energy infrastructure, and this modernization is expected to significantly contribute to reliable and sustainable electricity generation in the long term. By upgrading the facility, ANDRITZ aims to support the country's energy transition goals and ensure the plant can continue to play a vital role in the region's power supply.
ANDRITZ is a global leader in hydropower technology, with over 185 years of innovation and more than 492 GW of installed capacity worldwide. This project underscores the company's commitment to providing sustainable solutions that support the green transition. The modernization of Gabcikovo will also demonstrate how existing infrastructure can be upgraded to meet future energy demands without the need for new construction, highlighting the importance of maintaining and enhancing renewable energy assets.
For more information about the project, visit andritz.com/news.
