ČEZ and Litostroj Engineering test turbines for Orlík pumped-storage project

ČEZ and Litostroj Engineering are advancing plans to transform the Orlík hydroelectric power station into a large-scale pumped-storage facility. This project, representing the largest Czech water energy construction in 30 years, involves an 8-billion CZK investment to modernize half of the existing Orlík units to allow bidirectional operation.

Engineers at the Litostroj Engineering hydraulic laboratory in Blansko have recently completed testing a 13-times scaled-down model of a unique reverse Francis turbine. These tests simulate various operational conditions to ensure the full-sized, five-meter diameter turbine can meet all technical requirements before production begins. Following successful modeling, manufacturing is expected to commence, with potential installation of the first machines at the Orlík dam as early as next year.

The modernization will allow the facility to act as a massive water battery. During periods of excess energy in the grid, water will be pumped from the lower Kamýk reservoir up to the Orlík reservoir, storing up to 750 MWh of energy—enough to cover the daily consumption of approximately 80,000 Czech households. This stored energy can then be released back into the grid when demand increases, helping to stabilize the power system.