Supporting asset management for two hydropower stations

Client: First Gen
Location: Philippines
Date: 2024 

Assessing remaining useful life for two hydropower stations 

Background

First Gen approached Entura to perform a high-level assessment of the status of its Masiway hydropower station (commissioned in 1977) and Pantabangan hydropower station (commissioned in 1981), both of which are in Neuva Ecija in the Philippines. These two stations, comprising a combined capacity of 132 MW, are part of a multi-purpose hydro complex that supplies irrigation water for rice cultivation in the region. 

The purpose of this non-intrusive assessment was to determine the ‘Remaining Useful Life’ (RUL) for the key assets at both stations based on visual engineering judgment, available asset history and data as well as observations of local operations and maintenance staff. 

Solution 

Entura aligned experts from multiple engineering and asset management disciplines to undertake condition assessments to determine the likely remaining useful life of the 2 power stations. We conducted a desktop study as well as visual inspections of the sites. Our assessment methodology brought together sound asset management methodology and experienced engineering judgement to address asset lifecycle strategies and to minimise asset risk.   

Outcome

The outcomes of our work on this project included the development of a RUL database based on the principles of ISO 55000. Notably, our team was able to add extra value during this project by identifying possible root causes of some of our client’s ongoing challenges at the sites. We shared these findings with our client along with recommendations to confirm the root causes and to rectify the issues. 

Our support has empowered our client to make informed decisions about the future of these aging hydropower stations.  

As part of Hydro Tasmania (making us a hydropower asset owner and operator), Entura is always eager to contribute our extensive hydropower expertise to optimise the safety, performance and resilience of our clients’ hydropower assets. We have also previously assessed the possible failure modes of the dams in this hydropower scheme to improve dam safety and safeguard a more sustainable future.