Revitalizing existing infrastructure to enhance renewable energy and meet future power demand

Baygorria Hydropower Plant Modernization

Built in 1961, the 105-megawatt Baygorria Dam is a cornerstone of renewable energy for Uruguay. However, operation over 60 years has taken its toll, and the plant needed refurbishment to enhance efficiency, reliability, and capacity. UTE, the Uruguay national electric utility and plant owner, reached out to our team to help.

The age of the plant and infrastructure constraints, such as a narrow powerhouse and limited crane capacity, added complexity to the modernization efforts. Taking a holistic approach, we designed a meticulous assembly and disassembly sequence so construction wouldn’t hamper plant operation. Our use of modern engineering solutions including 3D planning allowed us to navigate space requirements, calculate the load-carrying capacity of the powerhouse floor, and determine parameters for lifting equipment and assembly devices. Construction planning started in 2023 and is expected to span the next five years.

The enhancements will extend the plant’s operational life and increase the capacity from 105 to 120 megawatts, providing a reliable renewable energy source and powering more than 300,000 homes. The upgrade promises to revitalize the Baygorria Dam, expanding Uruguay’s clean power-generating capacity to support its sustainable energy portfolio for years to come.