Statkraft upgrades renewable power generation in Norway

K2 power station in Høyanger (to be replaced by Eiriksdal power plant)

Statkraft has decided to spend more than NOK 1 billion upgrading hydropower facilities. In western Norway, the new power plants Eiriksdal and Makkoren will replace older facilities, while Nedre Røssåga power plant in northern Norway will be modernized.

“These investments will result in more renewable energy, increased security of supply and significant local, regional and national value creation,” says Tron Engebrethsen, Senior Vice President at Statkraft.

Eiriksdal and Makkoren power plants in western Norway will produce around 330 GWh. The development also involves a number of environmental improvements in the area. These include increased water flow in the river below the power plants, and replacing older power cables with buried cables. The new power plants will be constructed underground. The development is estimated to cost NOK 700 million, and represents substantial opportunities for the local and regional business community.

The upgrade of the Nedre Røssåga in northern Norway is the first stage of a major modernization of the Røssåga facilities. Three of the units will be upgraded first, followed by modernization or replacement of the support and control systems. This will cost an estimated NOK 400 million. Statkraft is also considering an upgrade of the three other units in the power station, or building a new parallel power station to replace them.

Statkraft owns a total of 149 hydropower plants in Norway. The oldest was constructed in the 1920s, while the majority have been in operation since the 1950s and 60s. The facilities have undergone extensive maintenance investments over the years, and Statkraft spends around NOK 1 billion annually on maintenance. In addition, significant investments are made in upgrades and expansion of the facilities.

Statkraft is Europe’s largest renewable energy company. The Group develops and generates hydropower, wind power, gas power and district heating, and is a major player on the European power exchanges. Statkraft also develops marine energy, osmotic power solar power, and other innovative energy solutions. In 2009 Statkraft posted gross operating revenues of EUR 2.9 billion. The group employs 3,400 staff in more than 20 countries.

Source: Statkraft