Hydro Rjukan hydropower to receive a major upgrade

Rjukan is set to witness the upgrade of the hydropower production initiated by Hydro, a leading aluminium and renewable energy company. For the upgrade, the firm is initiating an impact assessment, which further includes submitting a new application for setting up a new hydropower plant.

Image source: hydro.com

With the upgrade of the hydropower, the region can benefit in various ways, including:

• Modernised power production with increased flexibility and pumped storage for the power system in Norway
• Providing up to 750 MW of upgraded capacity for maximum production and pumping
• Expected increase of up to 50 per cent of Mana River's gross annual production
• Optimises the current annual production of 3 TWh of power from the firm's existing plant in the region
• Reduced risk of floods during the monsoon season, affecting the natural resources

However, the net production of the Mana river located in the Rjukan section will produce the same amount because of reduced water loss and the effects of pumping.

For gaining the desired goals, the plant will require effective utilisation of water resources and only supply power to the surging demand of society. By enduring in the project, it shall aid in creating a continuous positive effect, driving value and making effective use of the land and nature.

Executive Vice President of Hydro Energy, Kari Thorud, said: "The work to upgrade power production is part of our long-term commitment to renewable energy and Norwegian industrial development"

The firm will start with the field studies and the impact analysis during the second quarter of 2025 and is looking forward to pen down the application requesting to set up a new plant within the same region by the beginning of 2026.

Owing to this, the Plant Manager at Rjukan, Pal Thorud, said: "We are looking forward to continuing with these plans. We want broad involvement and close dialogue with local communities and municipalities. We are committed to working together to find good solutions, where we minimise the impact on nature and the environment."

At present, the organisation has several power production facilities in Rjukan, which consist of Frøystul, Vemork, Såheim, Moflåt and Mæl power plants. In order to upgrade, Hydro has multiple alternatives which further extend to the continued performance of the existing power plant.

However, shedding light on this, Hydro have decided to emerge with a new pumped storage power plant consisting of a tunnel connecting Tinnsjøen and Møsvatn.

Why are these plants deemed to be crucial for Norway? This is because these plants have supported the country's industrial development, combining knowledge and renewable energy, creating a long-lasting competitive advantage.

The upgradation project is set to be the result of Hydro's continuous agility towards securing enough power at a competitive price.