Stakraft applies for licence to build new Høyanger K5 hydropower plant

The hydropower plants will replace the existing Høyanger K5A and K5B hydropower plants and provide more renewable power for the industry and increased flexible capacity, without new reservoirs or additional water resources.

In May 2026, Statkraft announced plans to invest NOK80 billion in Norway over the next 10 years. A new Høyanger K5 hydropower plant is an important part of the plan to upgrade and further develop Norway’s hydropower assets. The investment framework for the development is just under NOK3 billion.

Høyanger K5A and K5B were commissioned between 1965 and 1979 and have played an important role in the development of Høyanger as an industrial community. The plants are in good condition, but several key components have limited remaining lifetime. The alternative to a new plant would be extensive reinvestments in the existing facilities. Statkraft is therefore applying to build new power plants that makes better use of the regulated water resources while securing power production for many decades to come.

Pål Otto Eide, Senior Vice President Development Nordics at Statkraft, commented: “This is a project that will deliver more power and greater flexibility from a watercourse that is already regulated. When older hydropower plants are facing major reinvestments, we must assess whether the resources can be utilised more efficiently.”

The existing plants have a combined installed capacity of around 109 MW and annual production of approximately 700 GWh. The new plants are being applied for with a combined installed capacity of around 257 MW and estimated annual production of approximately 780 GWh. This represents an increase of around 10% in annual renewable power production and an improved ability to produce when demand for power is high.

Eide added: “Increased capacity and flexibility in the Norwegian power system are important for society. With this project, we can get more out of existing regulations and contribute more production during periods of high demand.”

If a decision to build the power plants is taken, the construction period is estimated at 4 – 5 years. The project will generate local and regional ripple effects through the purchase of goods and services.

Eide concluded: “Hydropower projects must be assessed thoroughly. Even though this project builds on existing regulations, it will have impacts on the environment and the local community. Through the licensing process, the benefits and disadvantages will be weighed against each other, and the Høyanger community will have the opportunity to provide input during the consultation.”

Statkraft has been in dialogue with Høyanger municipality and other stakeholders about the plans for several years.

NVE will now process the licence application and, as usual, submit it for consultation. The municipality, affected parties, sector authorities, organisations, and others may provide input. If the project is granted a licence and demonstrates sufficient profitability, an investment decision will be made, and a detailed environmental and landscape plan will be prepared before construction work can begin.

Some key facts about the new Høyanger K5:

• Will replace the existing Høyanger K5A and K5B plants with a new Høyanger K5 hydropower plant and Breidal hydropower plant.
• Increases installed capacity from around 109 MW to around 257 MW.
• Increases annual production by around 10%, from approximately 700 GWh to approximately 780 GWh.
• Does not involve additional water resources, new reservoirs, or changes to existing regulation limits.

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Read the article online at: https://www.energyglobal.com/other-renewables/21082026/stakraft-applies-for-licence-to-build-new-hyanger-k5-hydropower-plant/