Zelya Energy conducts performance analyses, audits of dams and turbines in operation, as well as rehabilitation projects (legacy power stations, mills, historic rights of use, etc.).
Our firm relies on an in-house team of highly qualified, multidisciplinary engineers and specialized experts, covering a wide range of hydro structures.
In particular, our services address the following areas:
Each year, our team conducts feasibility studies and carries out technical and financial assessments of project sites and hydro plants, from a few hundred kW to several MW.
Thanks to our strong understanding of market dynamics and deep knowledge of renewable asset profitability, we provide comprehensive solutions that meet both operational needs in the field and strategic requirements at management level.
Our due diligence services for the hydropower sector:
Technical due diligence of hydro plants
Assessment of grid connection conditions
Performance and failure risk assessment
Additional operational support
Hydropower Technical Due Diligence
Objectives
Technical due diligence complements regulatory due diligence. It validates the technical characteristics of a hydro plant and quantifies the uncertainties and risks associated with projected output.
Specifically, it aims to:
Identify inconsistencies between sizing, production, and O&M practices
Confirm key technical features: flows, losses, efficiency, availability, output
Quantify uncertainties and risks that could negatively impact performance
Recommend realistic assumptions for integration into the financial model
Recommend and prioritize conditions precedent in the context of a purchase offer
Content / Steps
To determine production assumptions and assess uncertainties, we:
Collect and review documents: O&M contracts, insurance, grid access, resource studies, hydraulic history, etc.
Perform technological analysis and assess equipment sizing
Review contract clauses: efficiency, availability, output guarantees
Analyze maintenance and production reports
Conduct quantitative and qualitative analysis of availability rates
Assessment of Grid Connection Conditions
Objectives
This study complements technical due diligence. It evaluates whether the internal electrical design and operating conditions are compatible with grid requirements, and whether connection is technically and economically optimized.
More specifically, it aims to:
Identify inconsistencies between plant infrastructure and grid connection
Validate the technical characteristics of the connection
Quantify risks that could impact generation
Recommend realistic assumptions for the financial model
List and prioritize conditions precedent or possible improvements
Learn more: Optimization and negotiation of grid connection conditions
Audit of Equipment Condition
Objectives
This audit complements technical due diligence. It is based on site visits, historical records of maintenance and investments, and concession requirements if applicable.
It verifies whether hydraulic, mechanical, and electrical equipment are in good condition, and identifies corrective measures and spare parts required.
Specifically, it aims to:
Establish an inventory of installed equipment
Assess the condition and maintenance of equipment
Identify measures required before or after a transaction
Recommend and prioritize conditions precedent, corrective actions, or spare parts stocking
Content / Steps
The scope of an on-site audit depends on the conclusions of the technical due diligence, performance assessments, and warranty reviews. Visual inspection and targeted tests (infrared, vibration analysis, insulation testing, etc.) may be carried out on representative equipment.
The audit generally covers penstocks, switchgear, generators, power electronics, gearboxes, and other core components.
Performance and Failure Risk Assessment
Objectives
This assessment identifies causes of under-performance in operating hydro plants and quantifies the impact of maintenance practices on availability. It verifies whether warranties and O&M conditions are optimal.
Specifically, it aims to:
Estimate guaranteed and non-guaranteed unavailability
Identify root causes of downtime
Recommend technical assumptions for financial modeling
Advise on equipment requiring additional audits or tests
Assess adequacy of warranties and guaranteed availability
Content / Steps
The assessment includes:
Review of production, O&M reports, contracts, and failure logs
Estimation of on-site flow characteristics and unavailability rates
Analysis of preventive and corrective maintenance frequency and duration
Review of maintenance efficiency and alignment with site conditions
Simulation of actual power curves and estimation of output, efficiency, and operating hours
Hydropower Applications for Monitoring and Performance Optimization
Our applications provide real-time dashboards including:
Availability rate of each turbine and plant
Key technical parameters (oil, temperature, sound, etc.)
Outage origins, occurrences, and associated production losses
Theoretical vs. actual production based on observed flows
Our platforms are:
Responsive and accessible on smartphones, tablets, and computers
Integrated across departments: technical, management, finance
Intuitive and user-friendly
Customizable for targeted analyses (daily, monthly, etc.)
Exportable in multiple formats (jpg, xls, pdf)
More information is available here.
Information:
Call us at +33.4.93.71.33.11 or contact by Form