Construction company NCC has been commissioned by energy company Uniper to expand the Bålforsen hydropower plant in Lycksele. The project, valued at around SEK 200 million, includes installing a new turbine and upgrading existing equipment to increase capacity and efficiency.
“The Umeälven expansion is an important project as it is fully aligned with our strategy to expand our supply of flexible, green energy,” said Jonny Arrehag, Program Manager Umeälven Expansion Project at Uniper.
NCC will handle technical implementation, including rock excavation, reinforcement, and installation of mechanical parts such as hatches and penstocks. Preparatory work began in autumn 2024.
“Thanks to NCC’s extensive experience of advanced infrastructure projects and our strong local connection, we can support Uniper in achieving its goals for the expansion of the Bålforsen hydropower plant. This work requires a high level of specialist expertise and we will maintain a strict focus on safety during the project,” said André Persson, Area Manager, NCC Infrastructure.
When completed in autumn 2027, the expanded plant will produce 506 GWh per year, enough to power about 25,000 homes. The order will be registered in the NCC Infrastructure business area in the third quarter of 2025.
Bålforsen is one of Uniper’s key plants along the Ume River. When it was first built in the 1950’s, the site was prepared for a third turbine unit – now being realised as part of Uniper’s modernisation initiative.
