GE Vernova has secured an order from Dominion Energy South Carolina to modernise two hydropower units at the Saluda Hydro power plant.

The plant is located on the Saluda River, 10 miles (16km) west of Columbia, South Carolina.

The modernisation project aims to enhance the performance, reliability and operational flexibility of the plant, which has been a sustainable power source for almost a century.

The modernisation will improve the water quality of the Saluda River by increasing dissolved oxygen levels through GE Vernova’s aerating turbine technology. This innovation helps protect aquatic life and the state's natural resources by ensuring a minimum oxygen level in the water.

GE Vernova hydro power CEO Frederic Ribieras stated: “Our team is delighted to bring its advanced solution to a site that has been serving the state for almost a century. This project shows that through both electricity generation and water management, hydropower can provide many benefits to communities, for a very long time”.

Saluda Hydro, operational since 1 December 1930, includes five Francis hydropower units. The fifth unit was added in 1971, increasing the plant's capacity to 206MW.

Originally built to support Columbia's textile industry, the dam also serves water supply, flood control and recreational purposes, forming the 48,000-acre Lake Murray.

Dominion Energy vice-president of generation Iris Griffin stated: "Our current turbines at Saluda Hydro have performed safely and successfully for more than 90 years. Investing in their replacement will help maintain the facility's long-term reliability and, most importantly, continue to safely serve our customers for many years to come.”

GE Vernova's work involves engineering, procurement, construction and installation of an aerating turbine to replace Unit 1 and Unit 3 turbines, along with rehabilitating the Unit 3 generator. The first unit retrofit is expected by 2027.

The collaboration strengthens the existing relationship between GE Vernova and Dominion Energy, which spans all three GE Vernova business segments: power, wind and electrification.

70% of Dominion Energy’s fleet utilises GE Vernova’s technology, powering more than seven million US households.