Glen Finglas Modernisation
Glen Finglas dam and reservoir was constructed in in the early 1960’s to provide water to the City of Glasgow through Loch Katrine. The dam contains a hydroelectric plant operated by Scottish Water.
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Increased Generation
Extended Lifespan
Increased Reliability
Increased Revenue
OPTIMISE PERFORMANCE, MAXIMISE PRODUCTION, UNLOCK POTENTIAL
Modernising a hydro plant's assets is crucial for maximising the plants lifespan and ensuring reliable and sustainable energy generation. By updating hydropower equipment and technologies, the plant's performance can be improved, leading to increased generation, compliance with regulatory standards and cost optimisation.
Gilkes, a company with extensive experience in this field, offers services ranging from single-part replacement or upgrade, to complete rehabilitation of entire hydro installations. We bring over a century of collective technical & industry knowledge to every project, allowing us to efficiently return hydro plants to their optimum working levels, enhancing efficiency and prolonging their operational life.
By offering single-source solutions, Gilkes provides the convenience of a one-stop-shop, eliminating the need for customers to source various components and services from multiple suppliers.
REALISE THE FULL POTENTIAL OF YOUR FACILITY
- Creating more resilience and reliability
- Generating greater revenues and greater returns
- Reducing downtime and maintenance
- Increasing safety for staff and reducing risk for insurance
- Extending the lifespan of your plant or facility
- Adapting to present power demand by converting grid-connected systems to island configurations
Just as we’ve been trusted for generations to design, create and install hydro equipment, we also have a long history of modernising and optimising existing plants. Whether they are island or grid-connected, we can realise the full potential of your plant.
It can be an opportunity to turn back the clock, returning to the optimal performance delivered on day one. But we can also go further, bringing facilities up to date and up to standard – with equipment that complies with today’s regulatory standards and technology that delivers new capabilities and capacity.
From reconditioning a single component, to refurbishing parts of an installation, to full replanting, our services prolong the life of your assets, extending their productivity and protecting your investment.
Our modernisation services have brought new life to hydropower plants with decades of operation. No matter how much history your plant has seen, Gilkes have the expertise to give it a bright future.
100 YEARS OF COLLECTIVE WISDOM
Gilke's extensive history in hydropower, spanning design, manufacture, repair, and refurbishment, ideally positions us to develop your hydro plant, ensuring its viability and success for future generations. We’ve modernised equipment from the 1920s in Kenya, from the 1930s at New Lanark and even from the early 1900s on the Balmoral estate – not to mention more ‘modern’ installations across the world.
While our heritage includes deep-rooted expertise in maintaining and reconditioning original Gilkes turbines using original site drawings, our capabilities extend beyond our own installations. We also provide comprehensive service and upgrades for hydropower plants installed by other suppliers or manufacturers. Our engineers are equipped to enhance any system, ensuring increased efficiency and extended service life, regardless of the original provider.
Whatever the history of your facility, extending its lifespan starts with a consultation, site survey or condition assessment - ensuring we provide the most suitable solutions for your specific requirements. Only then, do our engineers get to work, raising standards and improving performance - whether mechanical or electrical, from reconditioning small components through to full turbine replacement.
RECONDITION AND RESTORE
Turn back decades of wear and tear with components reconditioned or replaced.
Gilkes provides comprehensive refurbishment solutions designed to rejuvenate your installations and significantly extend their operational lifespan. We specialise in reconditioning existing components, restoring them to like-new condition, and replacing components such as runners, guide vanes, spears, and nozzles. By returning components to their original specifications and ensuring efficient system operation, we turn back decades of wear and tear, enhancing both the sustainability and profitability of your hydropower assets.
MODERNISE AND MAXIMISE
New technology, new capabilities, new efficiencies—it’s all within reach.
Transform your hydropower plant with modern technology, optimising performance for future demands. By integrating new technologies and designs such as fully automated control systems, remote monitoring and digital management, we ensure your installation gains new capabilities and efficiencies. Key updates and upgrades not only enhance current operations but also future proof your plant for years to come. This service includes upgrading old mechanical governors to advanced digital ones, ensuring precise control and longevity of your asset.
REPLANT AND REVIVE
The ultimate upgrade for your hydropower plant.
With the latest technology and equipment, replanting a turbine is the ultimate upgrade for your hydropower plant. It addresses not just improvements in capacity and performance but also ensures adherence to higher standards of safety, resilience, and compliance. You may choose this route if the original turbine no longer meets requirements or if site characteristics have changed, such as increased demand for power or a change in grid constraints. By replanting the turbine, we ensure your installation is optimised for current and future needs, fully modernising and future proofing your facility.
WHO BETTER TO TRUST
By choosing Gilkes for your modernisation needs, you benefit from reduced operational risks and significant cost savings.
Our comprehensive modernisation, refurbishment and reconditioning services not only enhance the performance and lifespan of your hydropower installations but also ensure compliance with regulatory standards and optimises overall efficiency.
By offering single-source solutions, Gilkes provides the convenience of a one-stop-shop, eliminating the need to source various components and services from multiple suppliers.
Trust Gilkes to deliver reliable, resilient, and cost-effective solutions that safeguard your investment and secure the future of your hydropower Facility.
CONTACT OUR TEAM
Get in touch with us for an initial assessment and to find out more about our modernisation services.
Contact usRelated Case Studies
Blind Slough Hydro Modernisation
Read our latest case study on the Blind Slough project in Alaska, where a full replant enhanced the overall efficiency and ensured the ongoing operation of the plant, which plays a significant role in the communities regional grid.
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New Lanark Mill Refurbishment
New Lanark Mills - refurbishment of twin runner Francis turbine
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