Tests for Kidatu hydropower turbine to begin next week
What you need to know:
The machine broke down several weeks ago and the Tanesco management decided to overhaul it and conduct major checks so as to increase its lifespan
Kidatu. Major rehabilitation of a 51MW power turbine which broke out several weeks ago at Kidatu Hydropower station is nearing completion with test runs expected to begin next week.
The Kidatu Station Manager, Mr Anthony Mbushi, told reporters at the site last week that the machine has been restored by four technicians from a Croatian company which manufactured and installed the turbine in 1970s in collaboration with Tanesco engineers.
The turbine broke in October, affecting the national grid and subjecting many regions to prolonged blackout.
“After the turbine broke down we decided to conduct major rehabilitation of the entire turbine,” he said.
For his part, the coordinator of the rehabilitation work from Tanesco, Engineer Rajab Kindunda, said after the major checks the machine can now run without major problems for the next 20 years.
“The last time the four turbines at Kidatu underwent major checks was in 2000. This means that in 2020 we were supposed to conduct major checks for all machines but when this one broke down we thought it will be wise to conduct the major checks now,” he said.
He noted that the remaining three turbines will undergo major checks before 2020.
The rehabilitation work has cost Sh1.5 billion.
Each of the four turbines at Kidatu produces 51MW of electricity making the station a major hydropower producer in the country with capacity of 204MW.
According to control room operator, Eng Nicomed Mhina, the remaining three machines have been running smoothly.
“We have not encountered any problem with the remaining machines,” he said.
