Statkraft has submitted a licence application to build a new hydropower plant at Aura in Sunndal, with a projected investment of NOK 6 billion. The proposed facility would deliver 2.5 times the current maximum output, aiming to improve the stability of the regional power supply.
The Aura plant is part of Statkraft’s broader plan to modernise and expand its hydropower capacity. Two weeks earlier, the company also applied for a licence to upgrade the Nore I and Nore II plants in Buskerud. These efforts follow the announcement of major upgrade plans in 2024, which also include the Mauranger facility.
“Electricity is the backbone of our society and the foundation for value creation across the country. Many hydropower plants now require modernisation. At the same time, growing demand and increased production from intermittent energy sources mean we need to be able to generate more electricity exactly when it is needed. By building a new Aura power plant, we can deliver more capacity – and slightly more energy – without adding more water. That’s what the future renewable energy system needs,” said CEO Birgitte Ringstad Vartdal.
The existing Aura power plant, in operation since 1953, includes the Aura and Osbu stations and supplies more than a quarter of the electricity produced in the Møre og Romsdal region. It is located near Hydro Sunndal, Europe’s largest and most advanced aluminium plant and Norway’s largest electricity consumer.
“Aura has been in operation for over 70 years and needs to be upgraded in the coming years. To ensure a stable and sufficient power supply for the region well into the future, we believe the best solution is to build an entirely new power plant,” said project manager Are Paulsen.
The plan involves constructing a new station deeper in the mountain and a tunnel to direct water from the Osbu reservoir. The upgraded facility would raise maximum capacity from 310MW to around 810MW. Annual energy production is expected to increase by about 130 GWh, enough to power more than 130,000 Norwegian households.
With the upgrade, Aura would become one of Norway’s largest hydropower plants by capacity.
“The new Aura power plant will bring significant investment to the region, create positive ripple effects for the local community, and generate work for contractors and suppliers,” said Vartdal.
Statkraft also plans to upgrade four additional major hydropower facilities, which could add 1,500 to 2,500MW to the company’s installed capacity in Norway – a more than 20% increase. The company says its strategy is to expand hydropower production with minimal environmental impact.
“These capacity upgrades require substantial investment and are only marginally profitable. There are many factors to consider, including environmental impact, landowners, and local communities. That is why we are committed to strong local dialogue and engagement,” Vartdal said.
