Statkraft Strengthens Reliability of Norwegian Hydropower Assets With Vikfalli Investment

Statkraft Strengthens Reliability of Norwegian Hydropower Assets With Vikfalli Investment

(IN BRIEF) Statkraft will invest approximately NOK 460 million in new control systems for the Vikfalli hydropower system in Vik municipality, Norway, covering the Målset, Refsdal and Hove power plants, which together produce around 860 GWh annually, equivalent to the electricity consumption of about 50,000 Norwegian households. The project includes a full renewal of control systems, as well as upgrades to auxiliary and common systems, with ABB selected as supplier and local contractors involved at different stages. The upgrades are intended to improve operational reliability, remote control, monitoring, troubleshooting and long-term sustainable power production, while preparing the facilities for future grid upgrades developed with Statnett and Sygnir, including a planned transition of transmission and regional grids to 420 kV around 2031, subject to approvals. The Vikfalli modernisation forms part of Statkraft’s broader plan to invest around NOK 80 billion in Norway over the next decade, including approximately NOK 70 billion for hydropower.

(PRESS RELEASE) OSLO, 19-Aug-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Statkraft will invest approximately NOK 460 million in new control systems for the power plants that make up the Vikfalli hydropower system in Norway.

The modernisation programme is designed to strengthen operational reliability and support stable, dependable power generation for decades to come.

Vikfalli is located in Vik municipality and consists of the Målset, Refsdal and Hove power plants.

Together, the three plants produce around 860 GWh of electricity annually, equivalent to the consumption of approximately 50,000 Norwegian households.

The system is therefore an important source of stable and flexible energy for the region.

Inge Hass, Statkraft’s power plant manager in the Sogn power plant group, said Vikfalli is an important power system for the region and that the work now being carried out is essential to ensure safe future operations.

He said Statkraft is renewing critical systems that are central to production.

Renewing critical systems

The project includes a complete renewal of the control systems at the Vikfalli power plants, as well as upgrades to auxiliary and common systems.

Statkraft described the control systems as the “brain” of the power plants, where operation, monitoring and regulation of electricity production take place.

Hass said the time has come to replace these systems.

He said modernising the control systems will reduce the risk of faults and outages while improving monitoring and troubleshooting capabilities.

The upgrades are expected to increase reliability, improve remote-control functions and support more efficient operations.

The aim is to ensure robust and sustainable power production over the long term.

ABB has been selected as supplier of the new control systems.

Several local contractors will also be involved at different stages of the project.

Part of a broader upgrade programme

In addition to the control system upgrades, Statkraft is planning major investments to adapt the facilities to grid upgrades in the area.

This work will be carried out in cooperation with Statnett and Sygnir as part of a separate project preparing for the transition of the transmission and regional grids to 420 kV.

The grid-related work is planned to begin around 2031, subject to the necessary approvals.

The control system upgrades must be completed before that work begins and are therefore an important prerequisite for further development.

Hass said Statkraft sees the modernisation as the first step in a broader development of the facilities and the regional power system.

By carrying out the work now, the company is preparing Vikfalli for future developments.

Part of Statkraft’s NOK 80 billion investment plan in Norway

The Vikfalli upgrade reflects the type of work Statkraft plans to prioritise in the coming years.

The company, which currently produces around one-third of Norway’s electricity, recently announced plans to invest approximately NOK 80 billion in Norway over the next ten years.

Of this amount, around NOK 70 billion is expected to be allocated to hydropower.

Most of the investments will go toward major maintenance of existing power plants, helping ensure continued production from water resources that have already been developed.

The investment programme includes replacement of technical equipment, strengthening of dams, and maintenance and improvement of waterways.

Some older facilities will also be replaced with new ones to make better use of available water resources.

Statkraft said the investments are expected to generate economic ripple effects nationally and regionally, including contracts for contractors, activity in the supplier industry and increased value creation in local communities.

Through the Vikfalli project, Statkraft is renewing critical hydropower infrastructure while preparing the regional power system for future grid requirements and long-term renewable energy production.

Media Contact:

Andreas Tinglum
Head of Media Relations Norway
Telephone: +47 930 01 773
E-mail: andreas.tinglum@statkraft.com

SOURCE: Statkraft