Will Norway's largest pumped storage power plant improve energy supply?

The Norwegian energy company Statkraft has contracted AFRY to conduct a feasibility study on optimising the operation of Norway’s largest pumped storage power plant in Saurdal. The study aims to double the plant’s capacity to store surplus renewable energy, thereby enhancing consistent energy supply during peak demand periods.

How do power plants in Norway work?

Many power plants in Norway have storage reservoirs and production can therefore be adjusted within the constraints set by the licence and the watercourse itself. Wind and solar power are intermittent; electricity can only be generated when the energy is available.

Is Norsk Hydro planning a new pumped storage power plant?

In April 2020, the Norwegian Ministry of Energy granted Norsk Hydro a concession to develop the Illvatn pumped storage power plant. An application for a plan change is being processed by the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE).

Is stationary energy storage a good idea in Norway?

Electric cars now account for 79 per cent of new cars sold in Norway, and the MS Medstraum was recently launched as the world’s first electric fast ferry. In a global report on lithium-ion batteries, Norway ranked first in sustainability. These are impressive records. Even so, stationary energy storage is beginning to steal the limelight.

How do hydropower plants work in Norway?

Some small hydropower plants make use of the head of water between reservoirs. More than 75 % of Norway’s production capacity is flexible. By using storage reservoirs, flexible hydropower plants can produce electricity even in periods when there is little precipitation and inflow is low.

How many hydropower plants are there in Norway?

Hydropower is still the mainstay of the Norwegian electricity system. At the beginning of 2023, there were 1 769 hydropower plants in Norway, with a combined installed capacity of 33 691 MW. In a normal year, the Norwegian hydropower plants produce 136.49 TWh, which is about 88% of Norway’s total power production.