BELFOR Restored Critical Power Generators After Typhoon Bualoi Flooding at a Hydropower Facility in Laos
ABOUT THE CUSTOMER
The customer operates a major hydropower facility in Laos, supplying electricity to the local market and a neighbouring country. Its three generator units provide substantial installed capacity and support reliable power generation for the region.
THE CHALLENGE
In late September 2025, Typhoon Bualoi brought torrential rainfall, flash flooding, rising rivers and landslides across Laos. At the hydropower facility, floodwater entered the powerhouse, spread across several levels and submerged critical power generation equipment, including all three generator units. Flooding was the main cause of damage to the generators and supporting facilities.
Although the water was fresh, it carried fine silt, organic debris, oil and other contaminants into electrical equipment. Moisture could be absorbed by the stator insulation, while contamination reached ventilation ducts, end windings and other areas that are difficult to access. Surface corrosion and oil residues raised further concerns about electrical performance and long-term reliability. The scale of the damage placed the plant at risk of prolonged downtime, making specialist cleaning, drying and testing essential before safe recommissioning.
THE RESPONSE
The customer engaged BELFOR (Thailand) Ltd. following the flooding. A specialist team inspected the site and assessed the damage in October 2025. BELFOR then mobilised equipment and began restoration work on 17 November 2025. Working with the customer, the original equipment manufacturer and other technical teams, BELFOR adapted the recovery plan to site conditions and the priority of returning generation capacity.
The team inspected rotor poles and stator components, assessed the type and extent of contamination, and removed affected parts where necessary for access. Cleaning addressed oil residues, silt and superficial corrosion; careful rinsing, drying, inspection and testing supported the recovery of sensitive electrical components.
Rotor work included removing and inspecting individual poles, then applying staged degreasing, corrosion removal, neutralisation, rinsing and drying. The stator called for particular care: its insulated conductors, slots, ventilation ducts and end windings leave narrow spaces where floodwater residue can remain. BELFOR used targeted, low-pressure cleaning and manual precision work on affected surfaces, followed by deionised-water rinsing and controlled drying. Bus duct components were also opened, inspected and decontaminated before final checks.
BELFOR’s work included:
- Decontamination of generator rotors, poles and stators
- Cleaning and drying electrical and electronic equipment
- Isolated phase bus duct inspection and decontamination
- Electrical cable cleaning and moisture removal
- Surface decontamination in affected powerhouse areas
THE RESULTS
BELFOR’s specialist resources and close collaboration with the customer and other teams supported the recovery of three flood-affected generators and their associated equipment. The two higher-capacity units returned to full operation in May 2026. Decontamination of the third unit was completed in August 2026, and it resumed operation in mid-September 2026.
The phased return restored the facility’s full generation capacity. Cleaning, drying and verification helped address the contamination and moisture risks identified after the flooding, while the coordinated recovery limited the prospect of extended business interruption.
CUSTOMER FEEDBACK
“We would like to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to the entire BELFOR team for their dedication, professionalism and outstanding support throughout this project. What began as a two-week engagement grew, through the team’s consistent performance and reliability, into 43 weeks of valuable contribution to the recovery mission. Their efforts were instrumental to the success of the project, and we are grateful for the partnership.”
– Senior electrical engineering representative
CONCLUSION
BELFOR’s targeted decontamination, careful drying and technical checks helped recover critical power generation assets after the flooding. Working alongside the customer and other specialists, the team supported the staged return of all three units and the safe restoration of full operational capacity.
