Challenges, opportunities and strategies for the modernization of Salto Grande

The Salto Grande hydroelectric complex was built in a region characterized by rapids and rocky terrain. Located in the middle course of the Uruguay river, the scheme uses the natural fall known as Salto Grande. It is located upstream from the cities of Concordia in Argentina and Salto, in Uruguay. The plant was the first binational hydroelectric project to be developed between two countries in the region and generates an average of 8500 GWh/year. It provides secondary frequency control for the interconnected electric system more than 50 per cent of the time. The project began operatiing in 1979 and has since that time provided the equivalent of more than one million homes with electricity each year. The binational board (CTM) shares and manages all aspects of the plant, including hydrology, operations, maintenance, costs and personnel, operating as a single entity and providing half of the power to each country. This paper describes the phased modernization of the scheme which is currently ongoing.