Statnett Confirms AFRY as Client Representative for Strategic Onarheim Substation Development in Western Norway

Statnett Confirms AFRY as Client Representative for Strategic Onarheim Substation Development in Western Norway

(IN BRIEF) AFRY has been appointed by Statnett as client representative and project management partner for the execution of a new transformer substation at Onarheim in Western Norway, a 420/300/132 kV facility designed to enhance grid capacity, reliability, and flexibility while supporting growing electricity demand driven by industrial development and electrification, with AFRY responsible for overseeing all aspects of project delivery including cost, schedule, quality, risk, and contractor coordination, following the successful completion of the planning phase and with construction set to begin in 2026 and commissioning expected in 2029 under a contract valued at approximately NOK 93 million.

(PRESS RELEASE) SOLNA, 27-Mar-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — AFRY has been appointed to serve as client representative and project management partner for the development of a new transformer substation at Onarheim in Western Norway, a major infrastructure initiative commissioned by Statnett. The project is designed to enhance grid reliability while supporting increased electrification and industrial growth across the region.

The new facility will be built near existing infrastructure in the Husnes area and will operate as a modern 420/300/132 kV substation. Once completed, it is expected to deliver greater transmission capacity, improved operational stability, and enhanced flexibility within Norway’s power system.

Fredrik Persson, Head of Segment Transmission & Distribution at AFRY, noted that the project represents a complex undertaking requiring full execution responsibility. He emphasised the company’s continued collaboration with Statnett and its commitment to advancing the project from planning through to construction.

Following the successful completion of the planning phase, Statnett has exercised its option to proceed with the execution phase, confirming AFRY’s expanded role in delivering the project. In its capacity as client representative, AFRY will oversee all aspects of project execution, including schedule and cost management, quality assurance, risk control, and supervision of both civil works and electro-mechanical contracts.

The company will also coordinate contractors and stakeholders while maintaining a strong on-site presence to ensure compliance with contractual obligations, regulatory requirements, and technical standards. This role is particularly critical given the involvement of multiple stakeholders, including industrial partners, regional grid operators, and local authorities.

The Onarheim substation project forms part of Norway’s broader efforts to strengthen its electricity network in response to rising demand driven by industrial expansion and the transition toward electrification. AFRY’s involvement is intended to ensure a structured, efficient, and safe execution process, with a consistent focus on quality throughout all stages of development.

Construction of the substation is scheduled to begin in 2026, with commissioning planned for 2029. The contract awarded to AFRY is valued at approximately NOK 93 million.

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For further information, please contact:

Per Bjørkum, Communications, Places Advisory, AFRY
per.bjorkum@afry.com, +47 922 55 777

Lars Bangen, Head of T&D Norway, AFRY
lars.bangen@afry.com, +4790781223

SOURCE: AFRY