News Releases 2026

Hitachi Mitsubishi Hydro Corporation (“HM HYDRO”) concluded a contract with Slovenian utility, Soške elektrarne Nova Gorica (“SENG”), which is part of the Holding Slovenske elektrarne d. o. o. (“HSE”) Group, to carry out the second overhaul of the generator in the Avče pumped-storage hydro power plant, the first and so far the only pumped-storage hydro power plant in Slovenia. The second overhaul will take about seven months for the overhaul of the pump-turbine and generator-motor including various other maintenance works.

The Avče pumped-storage hydro power plant is one of the major energy facilities in Slovenia. With its advanced energy storage technology, it plays a crucial role in ensuring the stability of the power system, the offsetting of energy generation and consumption, and the integration of renewable energy sources. The power plant has been in operation since 2010 and is the first reversible pumped-storage hydro power plant featuring adjustable-speed technology for load adjustment in pump mode in Europe.

The second overhaul is planned for 2027, which is eight years after the successfully implemented first overhaul in 2018 and 2019. Its purpose is to carry out maintenance and replace worn-out parts to ensure the reliable, safe and long-term operational capacity of the Avče pumped-storage hydro power plant until its next overhaul. The on-site work of this overhaul will be carried out in cooperation with Rudis d.o.o., that has been a partner since the plant’s original construction.

Through the long-term provision of maintenance services for the Avče pumped-storage hydro power plant since its commissioning, including the application of solutions based on the adjustable-speed technology developed by HM HYDRO, the company, as a global market leader in this field, aims to continue contributing to the stability and economic efficiency of Slovenia’s power system.