Statkraft submits plan to upgrade Nore power plant for 4 billion NOK

Core Viewpoint - Statkraft is applying for a license to upgrade the Nore hydropower plants with a budget of 4 billion NOK to enhance electricity production and stabilize prices in Norway [1][2]. Company Overview - Statkraft is a leading international hydropower company and Europe's largest generator of renewable energy, with operations in over 20 countries and around 7,000 employees [14]. Project Details - The Nore hydropower plants consist of Nore I, operational since 1928 with a capacity of 212 MW and annual production of 1150 GWh, and Nore II, operational since 1946 with a capacity of 60 MW and over 300 GWh annual production [10]. - The upgrade aims to nearly double the capacity from 274 MW to 500 MW and increase annual production from approximately 200 GWh to about 1700 GWh under the preferred alternative [6]. - An alternative plan would increase the combined capacity by 65 MW and production by around 150 GWh [6]. Future Plans - Statkraft plans to build a next-generation hydropower system and initiate five major upgrades by 2030, with the Nore plants upgrade being a significant step [2][8]. - The company aims to increase its installed capacity in Norway by over 20 percent, providing an additional 1500 to 2500 MW of capacity through various upgrades [8]. Environmental and Economic Considerations - Upgrading existing hydropower plants is seen as a way to enhance capacity and energy production while considering environmental impacts [3][9]. - The company acknowledges that such upgrades require substantial investments and are often only marginally profitable, necessitating careful assessment of various factors [9]. Licensing Process - The license application will be processed by the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE), followed by a hearing process, with the Ministry of Energy making the final decision [13].