Voith has won an order from Slovenské elektrárne a.s., Slovakia's largest electricity producer, to modernize two units at the Cierny Vah pumped-storage power plant. The contract was signed on October 27, 2026; GE Energy Power Conversion GmbH (GE Vernova) is participating as an additional technology partner.
"The energy sector is undergoing a fundamental transformation, increasing the need for technologies that can respond flexibly to changing grid conditions," said Branislav Strycek, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Slovenské elektrárne. SE Integrátor is an investment in the future of Slovakia's energy system. Today's signing marks the point where an ambitious vision moves into implementation, together with our key technology partners, Voith Hydro and GE Energy Power. By combining our experience and expertise, we will strengthen grid stability, enable greater integration of renewable energy sources and build on the strengths of Slovakia's existing energy infrastructure."
The scope of supply for the 44-year-old power plant, which has an installed capacity of 735 MW, includes hydraulic and electro-mechanical equipment. Voith will supply two new vertical, two-stage radial pumps, each with a capacity of 104.6 MW, as well as two Francis turbines, with a capacity of 134.6 MW each. In addition, two variable-speed synchronous motor-generators, each with a rated apparent power of 132.3 MVA, enable flexible operation and support the integration of fluctuating renewable energy sources into the power grid.
Four spherical valves will be modernized and two new vertical gear couplings will be supplied. The package is rounded out by new excitation, electrical protection and monitoring systems including the OnCare.HealthHydro condition monitoring system as well as a hydromechanical and digital governor system and mechanical auxiliary equipment. Voith is also responsible for on-site installation, commissioning, and efficiency verification for Slovakia's largest pumped-storage power plant, which has an annual generation capacity of approximately 200 GWh.
The first unit (TG2) is scheduled for completion in June 2030, and the second (TG1) in April 2031.
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With the modernization of Cierny Vah, we demonstrate the central importance of pumped-storage hydro technology in securing a stable and flexible energy supply for Slovakia. By combining pumped-storage and battery storage, the project optimizes grid flexibility, reduces overall system cost, and makes efficient use of renewable energy sources for decades to come
Peter MacLennan, President and CEO EMEA at Voith Hydro
At the contract signing ceremony for the modernization of the Cierny Vah pumped-storage power plant: Branislav Strycek, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Slovenské elektrárne; Radu Carja, Chief Sales Officer at Voith Hydro; and Raimund Gabriel, Offer Project Manager at Voith Hydro.
The Voith team at the Cierny Vah pumped-storage power plant. From left to right: Peter MacLennan, President and CEO EMEA at Voith Hydro; Eva Ondrovicova, Manager of Representative Office Slovak and Czech Market at Voith Hydro; Radu Carja, Chief Sales Officer at Voith Hydro; Robert Gruber, Project Manager at Voith Hydro; Raimund Gabriel, Offer Project Manager at Voith Hydro.
Branislav Strycek, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Slovenské elektrárne, and Peter MacLennan, President and CEO EMEA at Voith Hydro, shake hands at the contract signing for the modernization of the Cierny Vah pumped-storage power plant.
About the company
The Voith Group is a global technology company. With its broad portfolio of systems, products, services and digital applications, Voith sets standards in the markets of energy, paper, raw materials and transport. Founded in 1867, Voith today has around 21,000 employees, sales of 4.8 billion and locations in over 60 countries worldwide and thus is one of the larger family-owned companies in Europe.
The Group Division Voith Turbo is part of the Voith Group and a specialist for intelligent drive technology, systems as well as tailor-made services. With its innovative and smart products, Voith offers highest efficiency and reliability. Customers from highly diverse industries such as oil and gas, energy, mining and mechanical engineering, ship technology, rail and commercial vehicles rely on the advanced technologies and digital applications of Voith.
