ABB to supply systems for Norsk Hydro hydropower project supporting aluminium production

ABB has been selected to deliver control and electrical systems for the Illvatn pumped storage hydropower plant being developed by Norsk Hydro in western Norway, supporting the company’s aluminium production.

The contract, booked in the fourth quarter of 2025, covers a range of systems including control, monitoring and electrical equipment, although financial details have not been disclosed.

The Illvatn project itself is a significant one for Hydro. It is the company’s largest hydropower investment in over 20 years, with a total framework of around USD 265 million, and an estimated net cost after tax of about USD 127 million.

Once operational, the plant is expected to deliver a net increase of 107 GWh of renewable power annually, with gross output rising by around 210 GWh. The additional capacity is intended to support Hydro’s aluminium production while also improving flexibility within its overall energy system.

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The facility will form part of the Fortun hydropower system in Norway’s Sogn region. Water will be pumped from the Fivlemyrane reservoir, located at 1,018 metres above sea level, up to Illvatn at 1,382 metres. This process is expected to expand storage capacity by around 90 million cubic metres.

As part of the broader development, Hydro also plans to construct a 13 km transmission line between Fivlemyr power station and Sveinsøystølen. Notably, the 48 pylons for this line will be made from aluminium rather than traditional materials such as steel or composites.

ABB’s role will include supplying a distributed control system, cybersecurity solutions, medium-voltage switchgear, transformers, low-voltage AC and DC systems, vibration monitoring equipment, along with cabling and installation work.

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Nils Endre Hatlevik, Head of Power Reliability in Norway at ABB’s Energy Industries division, said the project highlights the company’s capability in supporting modern hydropower design and optimisation.

From Hydro’s side, Erik Frantzen described the project as strategically important, noting that it would strengthen the company’s hydropower portfolio and provide stable renewable electricity for aluminium production over the long term.

Construction on the plant began in November 2025, with operations expected to start in the second quarter of 2030. 

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