- ANDRITZ will upgrade unit 11 of Norway’s Vamma hydropower plant, boosting capacity by 22% from 100 MW to 122 MW.
- The upgrade includes a new oil-free Kaplan runner, turbine governor, and stator, with commissioning set for early 2028.
- Vamma plays a crucial role in Norway’s energy grid, generating 1,580 GWh annually and supporting the country’s renewable energy goals.
International technology group ANDRITZ will upgrade unit 11 of Norway’s largest run-of-river facility, the Vamma hydropower plant. This upgrade will boost capacity by 22%, raising output from 100 MW to 122 MW while increasing energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
Hafslund, a top Norwegian power producer, selected ANDRITZ for the project in mid-2024. The plan includes disassembling, reassembling, and commissioning new components. ANDRITZ will provide an oil-free Kaplan runner with a 7,300 mm water-filled hub, one of the largest ever installed in Norway. The company will also deliver and install a new turbine governor and stator on-site.
This upgrade aims to improve performance and extend the operational life of the unit. The new runner will increase efficiency and reduce the risk of oil spills, cutting environmental hazards. ANDRITZ expects this enhancement to boost the plant’s overall efficiency significantly.
The project’s cost will be in the low double-digit million euro range. ANDRITZ plans to assemble the new stator in early 2026 and fully commission the upgraded unit by early 2028.
The Vamma plant on the Glomma River contains 12 generating units. Ten units use Francis turbines, while two feature large Kaplan turbines. The plant’s total installed capacity is 343 MW, with an average yearly output of 1,580 GWh of electricity. The Vamma facility plays a crucial role in Norway’s renewable energy supply.
Kjetil Toverud, Managing Director of ANDRITZ Hydropower in Norway, called the project a “milestone” in the company’s partnership with Hafslund. “Upgrading Vamma 11 will boost capacity and efficiency while extending its life, helping support Norway’s renewable energy goals,” he said.
Hydropower remains the backbone of Norway’s energy system, providing over 90% of the country’s electricity. The government focuses on upgrading plants like Vamma to maximise renewable energy output and minimise environmental impact. By modernising older infrastructure, Norway avoids the high costs of building new facilities and strengthens its energy sector’s sustainability.
The Vamma project shows Norway’s strategy for maintaining energy sector competitiveness while addressing sustainability requirements. By upgrading current assets, Norway aims to increase efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and prolong the lifespan of existing facilities.
ANDRITZ’s work on the Vamma plant strengthens its role in advancing renewable energy technologies. The upgrade ensures critical infrastructure like Vamma can meet modern energy standards, helping Norway maintain its leadership in renewable energy production.