Voith is a German full-line supplier of hydropower equipment and GHR is a Scottish service provider. Voith says that the combination creates a perfect fit and customers worldwide will benefit from both joining forces.
There are already several plants the companies have worked on together – until now separated through the respective scopes of supply. In that way, Voith Hydro was supplying electro-mechanical equipment whereas GHR was responsible for development activities, service and operations at site.
Moritz von Plate, head of Voith Hydro’s HyService business unit, said: “Our customers will benefit from a new single source approach and we together will be able to accompany them through the entire project lifecycle – including plant operation. Apart from that, there is still a lot of room for growth for both of us. For example, GHR’s strong footprint in Scotland will be a great basis to service also larger hydropower projects and for the entry into the international markets where Voith Hydro is already active.”
GHR focuses on the segment of so-called small hydro facilities with up to 20MW of total output. Currently there are around 40 plants under management ranging from several hundred kilowatts to almost 20 MW in capacity. The Scottish company employs around 20 highly skilled employees from locations in Perth and Dingwall.
Alex Reading, CEO of GHR, who will remain in position, said: “I am happy that we have Voith on board bringing in their technology expertise from very small to very large hydropower stations but also modernization know-how and digital tools. I am sure that our customers will benefit from it.”