The overhaul of the runner of the second turbine at PVO-Vesivoima’s Haapakoski power plant has been completed. Following successful test runs conducted at the beginning of January, the full capacity of both turbines at the power plant is now back in operation.
In a hydropower plant, the operation of the turbine runner significantly affects how efficiently the plant can produce regulating power.
The overhaul of the Haapakoski runner began at the end of September 2024 and was completed at the beginning of January 2025. First, the machinery was dismantled at the power plant, and the turbine was sent to Andritz Hydro Oy’s factory for repairs and modifications. The repaired runner was delivered to the power plant at the beginning of December, after which the machinery was installed, tested, and put into production.
– Before the overhaul of the runner, we could only operate the machinery at a constant power. Now that we have the full capacity available, we can respond flexibly to the changing electricity needs of the national grid. Even with just this one turbine, there is a significant impact on the production of regulating power at the Iijoki power plants, especially during these winter months, says Pasi Eilola, Maintenance Manager at PVO-Vesivoima.
The repair was planned to be completed by the end of 2024, but due to the availability of spare parts, the repaired turbine was put into operation in the second week of January.
– Overall, the project has been very successful, despite the slight delay in the schedule. Behind it is a well-coordinated, technically skilled, and professional team. As a result of our combined expertise, we made technical solutions in the repair that will withstand both time and use, Eilola thanks.
The runner repair and modifications were carried out by Andritz Hydro Oy. Additionally, installation work at the power plant was performed by OMP-Konepaja Oy and PVO-Vesivoima’s maintenance partner Caverion Suomi Oy. Timo Kaarlejärvi from Koskelta Oy acted as a consultant for the installations and quality measurements of the machinery at the power plant.
For more information: Pasi Eilola, Maintenance Manager, PVO-Vesivoima Oy, pasi.eilola@pvo.fi, tel. 050 3038 657
Link to the previous news: Overhaul of the turbine at Haapakoski hydropower plant
Haapakoski Hydropower Plant
- The uppermost power plant on the Iijoki River, completed in 1963
- In 2021, Finland’s first downstream migration route for salmon smolts was completed at the power plant
- Machinery renewed 2007–2009
- Capacity 32.6 MW
- 2 Kaplan turbines
PVO-Vesivoima Oy produces electricity with hydropower plants on the Iijoki, Kemijoki, and Kokemäenjoki rivers. The company’s electricity production averages 1.7 terawatt-hours per year. The company is part of the Pohjolan Voima Group. www.pohjolanvoima.fi. X: @PVOVesivoima.