Voith Siemens Hydro Power Generation has been awarded a contract worth US$2.6M to modernise a Swiss small hydro power station.

The deal is for the supply of a new vertical 24.7MW Francis turbine to replace two units, rated at 7.5MW each, which are currently installed at the Hauterive hydro power station in the south of Switzerland. The new unit is to operate at a nominal head of 94m.

Commissioning of the upgraded power station, owned and operated by Entreprises Elecriques Fribourgeoises, is scheduled for spring 2006.