Untra hydropower plant, image courtesy of Fortum
Fortum has unveiled an ambitious plan to breathe new life into the Untra hydropower plant, a historic facility dating back to 1911. With an investment exceeding SEK 700 million (over €60 million) earmarked for the period 2023-2030, Fortum is setting its sights on revitalizing one of Sweden's oldest hydropower plants.
This substantial commitment forms part of Fortum's strategic endeavors aimed at delivering reliable, clean energy and catalyzing the decarbonization of industries in the Nordics.
Mikael Lemström, Executive Vice President of Hydro Generation at Fortum, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating: "The construction of the Untra power plant had a significant impact on the first wave of electrification and today electricity is once more driving our transformation to Net Zero. Hydropower, known for its adaptability and extensive energy storage capabilities, continues to play an important role in our power infrastructure. As a result, investments of this nature are essential to ensure that hydropower maintains its position as a fundamental pillar of the Nordic's carbon-neutral electricity production."
The Untra Hydropower Plant, boasting a current output of 42MW, is set to undergo a comprehensive renovation. This includes the replacement of three turbine units and a substantial restructuring of the power plant, all aimed at enhancing Untra's ability to provide flexibility to the power system and to deliver fossil-free electricity to Sweden. Thanks to the deployment of advanced turbine technology, annual electricity production is projected to increase from 270GWh to approximately 300GWh.
Untra, initially constructed with the goal of powering the entire city of Stockholm with electricity, played a pivotal role in electrifying the Swedish capital during the last century. Despite the rapidly growing demand for electricity in the capital, which exceeded Untra's capacity in less than eight years, the power plant has retained its significance within the Swedish power system.
Of the total investment, approximately half is classified as growth capital expenditure, already incorporated into Fortum's committed growth capital expenditure of €800 million for the years 2023-2025..
