Aker Solutions has been awarded a contract by Hafslund Kraft for the modernisation of Nes power station in Buskerud, Norway, one of the country’s most significant hydropower upgrades.
With an installed capacity of 332 MW and annual generation of approximately 1.5 TWh, Nes power station is one of the major contributors of renewable energy to the Norwegian power system.
The modernisation programme will increase capacity by approximately 80 MW and annual production by around 37 GWh, while extending the plant’s operational lifetime and reliability.
“We are proud to partner with Hafslund Kraft on one of Norway's most ambitious hydropower modernisation projects. By upgrading proven assets, we can unlock additional renewable energy production, increase flexibility and help secure reliable power supply for decades to come,” said Jo Kjetil Krabbe, Executive Vice President for the Power Solutions segment in Aker Solutions.
Aker Solutions’ scope includes replacement and modernisation of the non-embedded turbine components for four 83 MW Francis units, upgrade of the governor control systems, as well as rehabilitation of the main inlet valves.
In addition, to increase flexibility and enable 80MW power capacity increase with the existing more than 30 km long headrace tunnel, Aker Solutions will deliver a digital twin of the plant to support data-driven optimisation of operations. This builds on Aker Solutions’ previous experience in hydropower digitalisation, including digital twin implementations at other hydropower stations in Norway.
“Projects like Nes demonstrate that modernizing hydropower assets is one of the most effective ways to increase clean energy production while minimising environmental impact,” added Krabbe.
The work on the project has already started with final delivery scheduled for 2032.
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