News Release Archive

Reclamation Announces Turbine Runner Replacement Project at Folsom Powerplant

Media Contact: Michelle H. Light, 916-978-5100, 10/27/2008 20:06

For Release: October 27, 2008

On September 30, 2008, the Bureau of Reclamation awarded Voith Siemens Hydro Power Generation, Incorporated, a $7.1 million contract to perform hydraulic model testing on its Folsom Powerplant.  The contractor will also provide three new runners on the turbines at the Powerplant, located at the Central California Area Office in Folsom, California. 

The original turbines were manufactured by Northrop Grumman Newport News in 1955 and had a turbine output of approximately 68,000 horsepower.  The first new runner is scheduled to be installed by Reclamation crews beginning in September 2010, following the hydraulic model testing.

The new turbine runners will increase the generating efficiency of Folsom Powerplant.  Power facilities within the Central Valley Project (CVP) continue to be "re-engineered" to produce "more
with less" thanks to advance funding provided by its power customers.  Both the turbine runner replacement and the generator rewinds are being funded by CVP power customers.

To request additional information, please contact Mr. Steven Melavic, Chief, Facilities Operations Branch,   Central Valley Operation Office, at 916-979-3008 or e-mail smelavic@mp.usbr.gov, or Mr. Louis Moore, Public Affairs Specialist, Mid-Pacific Region, at 916-978-5106 or e-mail wmoore@mp.usbr.gov.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.