Statkraft selects ABB to modernise three Norwegian hydropower plants

The contract covers the complete modernisation of the control, protection, excitation, and electrical infrastructure, extending the life of assets that are essential to Norway’s delivery of reliable, low-carbon electricity – with hydropower responsible for almost 90% of total electricity generation in June 2026.

The Vikfalli project comprises three power stations – Målset (24 MW), Refsdal (92 MW) and Hove (68 MW) – with a total of five generating units. ABB's project scope includes installation of the ABB Ability^TM System 800xA^® distributed control system and monitoring platform, which will be integrated with existing third-party turbine systems to provide a unified operational environment across the complex.

The contract covers complete modernisation and will deploy UNITROL^® 8000 excitation systems for all five generating units, advanced cyber security, low and medium voltage electrical systems, vibration monitoring and protection, digital solutions, cable supply, and installation. The integration of modern excitation and protection systems supports compliance with evolving grid codes for generators and contributes stability and resilience capabilities essential in a power system that accommodates growing volumes of variable renewable energy.

“The upgrade of Vikfalli is an important step in strengthening Norway’s renewable energy infrastructure and we worked closely with ABB from the earliest stage to ensure the solution was optimised,” said Inge Hass, Power Plant Manager of group Sogn, Statkraft.

Hydropower is the world's third-largest source of electricity, representing approximately 14% of global electricity production in 2024. New capacity is expected to grow by the end of the decade, with more than 154 GW forecast to come online. The sector is particularly strong in Norway, which generates approximately 90% of its electricity from hydropower for both domestic supply and as a balancing resource for interconnected European markets.

“Hydropower is an important part of an expanding energy system, helping to grow renewable capacity and deliver stable baseload power to the grid,” added Per Erik Holsten, President of ABB’s Energy Industries division. “The priority now is ensuring that existing assets such as Vikfalli are equipped to fulfil that role for future needs with modern control and digital solutions that enable them to run more safely, cleaner and leaner, and to be ready for tomorrow’s grid requirements.”

The order was secured after ABB worked alongside Statkraft from the early development phase to define and optimise the technical solution before the main contract was placed. This approach reflects a shift in how major owners of critical energy infrastructure are procuring long-life upgrades, bringing technology partners in earlier to reduce risk and improve outcomes. Site activities at Målset are scheduled to commence in 2028, with Refsdal and Hove to follow in 2029.

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Read the article online at: https://www.energyglobal.com/other-renewables/18082026/statkraft-selects-abb-to-modernise-three-norwegian-hydropower-plants/