Gi ty of Nashua Planning an Development
Community Development Division Bulding Safely
City Hall, 229 Main Street, PO Box 2019 Transpo terion Department
Nashua, New Hampshire 03061-2019 Waterways
www nashuanh.gov
589-3095
589-3090
589-3080
589-3100
589-3085
880-0100
§89-3092
589-3479
Date: April 3, 2020
To: John Griffin, CFO; Kim Kleiner, Admin Services Director;
Daniel Kooken, Purchasing Manager
From: Sarah Marchant, Community Development Division Director
Re: Jackson Mills Turbine, Generator and Controls (TGC) Replacement
Background
The City of Nashua became the owner/operator of the Jackson Mills hydroelectric facility in
January of 2015, after the 30 year lease with the operator expired. This one megawatt facility
produces an average of 4,000,000 kwh of clean power per year which the City net meters to
maximize revenue. This facility was originally built in 1984 and as such is in need of
replacement of the turbine, generator and controls (TGC). The project has been repaired twice
since 2015 in an attempt to keep it going until we can get started on a replacement.
Bond Authorization
In preparation for the replacement the Mayor and Board of Aldermen passed R-19-142 on July
10, 2019 authorizing the issuance of bond for improvements to both Mine Falls and Jackson
Mills hydro projects. The issuance of the bond specifically included a new (TGC) at Jackson
Mills.
TGC Vendor
Turbine technology has changed since the 1980s and the existing custom turbine cannot simply
be duplicated. In partnership with our operator Essex Power Services and sub-consultant HL
Turner Group, the TGC replacements were put out to bid in the spring of 2019. In total we
received five submissions from AmJET Turbine, Mavel, NORCAN, Ossberger(Zeco) and Rickly
Propel. The team reviewed the proposals based on cost (including general construction to make a
new unit fit), reliability and generation capability/technology. The top three vendors were
narrowed down to Ossberger (Zeco), AmJET and Mavel. With these three vendors a more
detailed feasibility analysis of the exact scope of product, costs, guaranteed power and energy
estimates was completed. Through the above process one vendor, Mavel, rose to the top of the
analysis as the best solution for the Jackson Mills project.
Turbine Replacement Timeline
The TGC Replacement Project will involve 3 major subcontracts with the City; the Project
Engineer responsible for engineering design, environmental and construction permitting,
construction administration and project commissioning; the TGC vendor responsible for design,
manufacturing, delivery and installation oversight of the TGC producis; and the General
Contractor responsible for all site work, and electrical and mechanical work associated with the
installation of the TGC products. The Project Engineer, HL Turner Group, was approved in
