Hydropower Retrofit
Modernization packages for existing hydropower plants, including electrical interfaces, cabinet upgrades, and practical retrofit execution.
Hydropower retrofit, control systems & automation
Retrofit, control systems, and automation for small hydropower plants up to 2 MW.
LTA Hydro modernizes hydropower plants with practical electrical engineering, control systems, and automation solutions. Our focus is on retrofit projects, control technology for hydropower plants, turbine and auxiliary systems, and the modernization of existing small hydropower assets.
- Retrofit and modernization of existing hydropower plants up to 2 MW
- Fully automatic control, yield optimization, and secure remote access
- Control technology for turbine and auxiliary systems
Latest projects
All projects
Two recent hydropower projects
From control-system modernization to generator integration: selected projects in Roth and Karlstad.
Roth
Modernization of a hydropower plant
Two horizontal Francis turbines, asynchronous generators, automatic reactive-power control, and parallel control.
View project →
Karlstad, Sweden
Historic hydropower plant
Francis turbine with synchronous generator, automatic synchronization, and static excitation.
View project →Electrical engineering and control systems for hydropower modernization
We support operators of small hydropower plants with retrofit planning, control cabinet construction, automation, commissioning, and modernization measures for existing assets.
Control Technology
Control systems for turbines, gates, drives, and auxiliary systems with HMI integration, field wiring, and structured plant operation.
Automation & Commissioning
Automation for hydropower plants with operating logic, remote access, alarm handling, commissioning support, and optimization of plant behavior.
Benefits that matter in daily plant operation
The goal is not just updated hardware. The goal is a hydropower plant that is easier to operate, easier to monitor, and better prepared for reliable long-term production.
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Fully automatic control Stable automatic operating sequences for everyday plant operation and reduced manual intervention.
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Yield optimization Better use of available water through modern control logic, revised interfaces, and clearer operating data.
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Remote access Monitoring, diagnostics, and selected operating functions can be accessed remotely when the plant concept allows it.
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Modernization without losing the existing plant Retrofit solutions preserve the core asset while renewing weak points in control, switching, and automation technology.
Plant-focused engineering instead of generic industrial copy
LTA Hydro is positioned around the real needs of small hydropower operators: retrofit of hydropower plants, control technology for hydropower applications, modernization of existing stations, and automation for turbine-related systems.
Small Hydropower up to 2 MW
Hydropower Retrofit
Control Systems
Automation
Francis Turbines
Remote Access
HMI / Operator Interface
Commissioning
Further references from real hydropower projects
Selected plant examples with actual control, generator, and modernization technology.
Solberg
Modernization of machinery and control systems
A practical example featuring turbine, generator, penstock work, and a renewed plant control system.
View project →
Oberlenningen · 260 kW
Francis turbines with synchronous generators
A plant example with two Francis spiral turbines, generators, and modernized control technology.
View project →FAQ
Frequently asked questions about retrofit, yield, and marketing
Every plant starts from a different technical position. These answers provide initial orientation; the specific assessment is always plant-specific.
What are the benefits of a hydropower retrofit?
A retrofit can improve availability, operability, and transparency. Typical measures include a modern control system, clear alarms, an HMI, renewed control cabinet technology, and defined interfaces to turbine, generator, gates, and auxiliary systems.
This can reduce downtime, stabilize operating sequences, and make operating data usable for decisions.
Can a retrofit increase yield?
Yield potential often lies in more precise level and flow control, automated start/stop sequences, and coordinated flood and gate control. This can use available water more effectively within the permitted operating framework and avoid unnecessary spill.
The achievable annual increase depends on water rights, hydraulics, turbine, grid conditions, and the existing plant. We therefore assess control strategy, measurements, and technical limits before quantifying potential.
What is direct marketing, and what does LTA Hydro do?
In direct marketing, the electricity generated is marketed through a direct marketer; commercial and contractual arrangements are handled by the operator and marketer. The plant must provide reliable operating data and fulfil technical requirements and interfaces.
LTA Hydro creates the technical basis: we modernize controls and remote access, structure meter and operating data, and integrate the agreed interfaces to marketing or remote-control equipment. The marketing service itself is provided by the appointed direct marketer.
Can a refurbishment create a new EEG support period?
It may be possible where the legal requirements are met. Section 40(2) EEG 2023 states that hydropower plants can be treated as newly commissioned following a water-law-approved refurbishment that increases plant capacity. For measures not requiring approval, the provision specifies an increase in plant capacity of at least 10 percent.
The general duration is set out in Section 25(1) EEG 2023: 20 years from commissioning, or until 31 December of the twentieth payment year for legally determined applicable values.
Important: Increased yield alone does not automatically qualify. The actual refurbishment, increase in capacity, water-law requirements, and individual classification are decisive. This is not legal advice.
Does the entire plant have to be renewed?
No. Functional turbines, generators, hydraulic units, or power sections can often remain in use. We first assess the existing plant and then define a technically useful scope, from an individual control component to a coordinated retrofit.
Is remote access possible for existing plants?
Yes. After reviewing the control system, communications path, and permissions concept, status, alarms, trends, and selected operating functions can be made available securely. The access concept is tailored to the plant, organization, and security needs.
Which information helps with an initial assessment?
Installed output, turbine type, head and flow, photos of the machine area and cabinet, available drawings, and a short description of the requested improvement all help us assess the starting point and prepare next steps.
Modernize an existing hydropower plant?
Get in touch
Whether the focus is retrofit, control technology, remote access, or automation, we can review the plant scope with you.