Norwegian utility Å Energi has announced plans to upgrade the hatches at the Åmli power plant as part of a broader investment programme to modernise its hydropower portfolio.
The project, valued at close to NOK 50m (US$4.6m), will focus on rehabilitating four gates at the plant, which is located on the Nidelva River near the centre of Åmli. Three of the hatches are situated adjacent to the station, with a fourth positioned upstream on the Gjøv tributary.
According to the company, the works form part of a wider strategy to invest around NOK 11.5bn (US$1.05bn) in hydropower upgrades and new developments by 2035. Jan Erik Eldor, executive vice president for hydropower at Å Energi, said the programme is aimed at securing continued safe and stable electricity production across its fleet.
The hatches at Åmli, originally installed more than 40 years ago, will undergo extensive refurbishment. Planned works include sandblasting and repainting, replacement of seals, and associated concrete repairs. Construction activity will be visible from the nearby national road and may lead to temporary increases in daytime traffic and noise.
Project manager Geir Holm noted that measures would be taken to minimise disruption where possible. In some periods, upstream water levels may need to be lowered to ensure safe working conditions, depending on river flow.
Construction is scheduled to begin in April or May 2026 and continue through to autumn 2027, with a planned توقف in activity during winter 2026/27.
The main contract has been awarded to Lysaker & Thorrud AS, who will deliver steel structures for the upgrade. The contractor will be supported by subcontractors covering sandblasting, painting, civil works, electrical systems and hydraulics, as well as specialist diving and crane services.
Commissioned in 1983, Åmli power plant has an annual production of 84GWh, equivalent to the electricity consumption of around 5250 households.
