Alstom unveils first hydropower global technology center in Latin America

Alstom has unveiled its first hydropower global technology center (GTC) in Latin America in Taubaté -São Paulo State.

An important extension of the existing hydropower industrial site of Taubaté, the new center will take existing manufacturing expertise advantage of the group, and local industrial facilities of Taubaté site.

In addition to boosting global network of centers based in Grenoble (France), Baroda (India), Birr (Switzerland), Sorel-Tracy (Canada) and Tianjin (China), the new technology center will contribute to the development of technological solutions for projects particularly in Latin America.

The plant will comprise complete hydro product technical expertise including turbines, generators, control, hydro-mechanical equipment and balance-of-plant, as well as services for hydro plants.

Global Hydro chief operating officer Jacques Hardelay said that the Brazilian GTC inauguration marks a key milestone for Alstom’s development in the country and in the renewable market.

"It will allow us to benefit from a feedback of experience of highly skilled R&D experts and engineers located close to our customers and to continually improve the products we design," Hardelay added.

The plant features a state-of-the-art test rig for turbine scale models and will benefit from important partnerships with Brazilian engineering companies, institutes, and universities.