A consortium, in which Voith Siemens Hydro Power Generation is responsible particularly for the hydraulic design and the complete control system, including the technology of variable-speed turbine regulation in two of four machines, supplied the hydro-electric machines. Technologically speaking, Goldisthal sets new international state-of-the-art standards in several aspects. The gigantic machines can be synchronized to the grid from  standstill to full power in record time in world comparison.
 
A novelty for European pumped-storage plants: Two of the four machines accomplish so-called “variable-speed” operation and for this reason variations in the electrical grid are by far better to balance than with former pump-turbine units.

Voith Siemens Hydro is more than pleased with the operation: “Our machine runs as quietly as a sewing machine” said Managing Director Arno Hoepner, “certain operating conditions are so quietly passed through that you can hardly hear the change”. Voith Siemens Hydro also provides latest state-of-the-art technology in control and automation: The Goldisthal control centre is the most modern one in the world’s hydro power stations.

Voith Siemens Hydro Power Generation is a Group Division of Voith and - with a workforce of around 2,400 employees and an annual turnover of over 600 Mio. € in the last fiscal year - is one of the worldwide leading companies for hydro power equipment.

We set standards worldwide for paper making technology, power transmission, power plant equipment, and for industrial services. Voith was founded on January 1st 1867. With annual sales of approx. EUR 3,3 billion, 24,000 employees and 180 locations worldwide Voith is one of the large family owned companies in Europe.