Turbine Passage
Wanapum Dam
Installation of new turbines at Wanapum Dam is part of an upgrade process of the 50 year-old hydropower plant that involves a total resdesign of the turbine and its associated components. The turbine technology was designed through a multi-year research and development program funded by the hydropower industry and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Grant PUD’s installation and operation of these turbines represents the first commercial application of this technology. A DOE grant of approximately $2.4 million not only assisted in Grant PUD’s efforts, but will aid other hydropower plant owners interested in using the new turbine design.
Wanapum Turbine Facts
| Number of turbines |
10 |
| Water use efficiency |
Improvement of three percent |
| Power rating |
150,000 horsepower, or 12 percent increase in maximum generation capacity on a per unit basis |
| Construction costs |
$197 million |
| Construction completion |
2013 |
| Generator upgrade |
All 10 generators at Wanapum Dam will be replaced by 2018 for $161 million |
Removal of Unit Four
Advanced Turbine assembly at Wanapum
Priest Rapids Dam
Installation of new turbines at Priest Rapids Dam is part of an upgrade process of the 50 year old hydropower plant. Grant PUD is presently working with contractors to design and manufacture components for the new turbines.
Priest Rapids Turbine Facts
| Number of turbines |
10 |
| Water use efficiency |
To be determined |
| Power rating |
To be determined |
| Construction costs |
$525 million for generators and turbines |
| Construction completion |
2023 |
| Generator upgrade |
All 10 generators at Wanapum Dam will be replaced by 2018 for $161 million |
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