The New York Power Authority (NYPA) today (Feb 26) announced the successful return to service of the first of 13 turbine generating units to be upgraded as part of NYPA's Next Generation Niagara modernization and digitization program. The $1.1 billion effort, launched in 2019, will extend the operating life of NYPA's Niagara Power Project in Lewiston, ensuring that the largest source of clean electricity in New York State and one of the largest hydropower facilities in the country is upgraded and operating as a best-in-the-industry facility. The Niagara Power Project, with a capacity of generating 2,600 MW of clean electricity, is also celebrating the 65th anniversary of its first power this year recognizing the plant's more than six decades of providing reliable, clean electricity to New Yorkers.
"Our Next Generation Niagara investments are modernizing and digitizing NYPA's flagship Niagara Power Project so that it continues to reliably provide clean, low-cost energy to New Yorkers for decades to come," said NYPA Chairman and Western New York resident John R. Koelmel. "As we celebrate the 65th anniversary of the first power the plant generated in 1961, we are making the investments necessary to ensure its safe and efficient operation for the next century. I congratulate all those who were part of the effort to get this first unit back-up-and-running."
The Next Generation Niagara program includes replacing aging equipment with advanced machinery and digital technologies to optimize the hydroelectric project's performance. The turbine generating unit now returning to service has been both mechanically and digitally upgraded. The work involved replacement of much of the turbine generator's equipment including wicket gates and operating mechanisms, head cover, turbine and generator shafts, turbine guide bearings as well as associated relays, switches and electrical components.
"The mechanical upgrade and digitization of each of the plant's thirteen units each one a self-contained miniature power plant generating enough energy to power a city the size of Rochester will ensure that New York's flagship clean energy power plant remains at the forefront of firm hydropower generation for many years to come," said NYPA President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll. "As we continue to prioritize affordability and the reliability of our energy system, I am proud of NYPA's proactive efforts to secure the long-term value of our low-cost, renewable, clean energy workhorse."
The Next Generation Niagara initiative encompasses four major projects:
- Comprehensive inspections of the Robert Moses Plant's penstocks the 485-foot conduits, 26 feet in diameter, that carry water from the forebay to the turbine generators.
- Replacement and upgrade of the project's 630-ton gantry crane to a 680-ton crane, presently underway. The crane enables disassembly and reassembly of the generating units as they are taken off-line and upgraded as well as other heavy lifting around the site.
- Upgrading and digitizing unit control systems.
- Overhaul or replacement of mechanical components that have reached the end of their operating life
Progress on Next Generation Niagara thus far has included the digitization of the control system for two units, including this one that was also mechanically upgraded, digitization and modernization of the project's control room and controls in the associated switchyards, the fabrication and delivery of a new 680-ton crane, currently being assembled onsite.
About the Niagara Power Project
Following the collapse of Niagara Mohawk's Schoellkopf Power Station in 1956, and the elimination of tens of thousands of jobs in the Niagara region and nearly 25 percent of the city's tax base, the Federal Power Commission issued a license in 1957 to the New York Power Authority to redevelop Niagara Falls' hydroelectric power. The Power Authority employed an army of 11,700 workers and within three years, 12 million cubic yards of rock were excavated. The herculean effort led to the construction of a massive main structure that is 1,840 feet long, 580 feet wide and 384 feet high.
When the Niagara Power Project produced its first power in 1961, it was the largest hydropower facility in the Western world and President John F. Kennedy called it "an example to the world of North American efficiency and determination." After 65 years of operation and the renewal of a new 50-year federal operating license in 2007, the Niagara Power Project remains the crown jewel of New York's power infrastructure.
About NYPA
NYPA is the largest state public power organization in the nation, operating 17 generating facilities and more than 1,550 circuit-miles of transmission lines. More than 80 percent of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. NYPA finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. For more information visit www.nypa.gov and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagramand LinkedIn.
View Video and Photos of work on First Turbine Unit
Contact: media.inquiries@nypa.gov | (914)-646-6016
