Boosting renewable energy: ANDRITZ to upgrade Vamma hydropower plant in Norway
Norway’s largest run-of-river hydropower plant, Vamma, will undergo a major modernization: Norwegian utility Hafslund has selected international technology group ANDRITZ to upgrade one of the plant’s turbine-generator units.
This will improve the performance and efficiency of Vamma’s unit 11, reinforcing the plant’s role as a key contributor to Norway’s renewable energy sector.
Downstream view of the hydropower station Vamma
The project will increase the unit’s capacity by 22%, from 100 MW to 122 MW. It includes dismantling, reassembly, testing and commissioning, as well as model testing and supply of new components.
The scope of supply includes a new oil-free Kaplan runner with a water-filled hub, which will not only improve efficiency but also contribute to the environmental sustainability of the plant. With a diameter of 7,300 mm, it will be one of the largest runners installed in Norway. ANDRITZ will also supply a new turbine governor and stator, which will be assembled on site.
The order, worth a low double-digit million euro amount, was placed in mid-2024. On-site assembly of the new stator is scheduled for the first half of 2026. Commissioning of the fully upgraded Vamma 11 unit is expected in early 2028.
Owned by Hafslund, one of Norway’s leading power producers, Vamma is equipped with 12 turbine-generator units, including ten Francis and two large Kaplan turbines. It has a total installed capacity of 343 MW and supplies an average of 1,580 GWh of electricity per year.
“This project is a milestone in our close partnership with Hafslund. By upgrading the Vamma 11 unit, we’re not only boosting its efficiency and capacity, but also extending its operating life to ensure that it continues to support the country's ambitious renewable energy targets,” said Kjetil Toverud, Managing Director of ANDRITZ Hydropower in Norway.
- End -
Penstocks leading water into the hydropower station
Inside of the power station Vamma 11
ANDRITZ GROUP
International technology group ANDRITZ offers a broad portfolio of innovative plants, equipment, systems, services, and digital solutions for a wide range of industries and end markets. Sustainability is an integral part of the company’s business strategy and corporate culture. With its extensive portfolio of sustainable products and solutions, ANDRITZ aims to make the greatest possible contribution to a sustainable future and help its customers achieve their sustainability goals. ANDRITZ is a global market leader in all four of its business areas – Pulp & Paper, Metals, Hydropower and Environment & Energy. Technological leadership and global presence are cornerstones of the group’s strategy, which is focused on long-term profitable growth. The publicly listed group has around 30,000 employees and over 280 locations in more than 80 countries.
ANDRITZ HYDROPOWER
ANDRITZ Hydropower is one of the world's leading suppliers of electromechanical equipment and services for hydropower stations in the dynamically growing global renewable energy market. Based on 185 years of experience and a global installed capacity of 489 gigawatts, we offer innovative solutions for new and existing hydropower stations, from small to large-scale hydropower plants. State-of-the-art digital solutions, comprehensive services for the operation and maintenance of entire hydropower plants, and turbo generators for the thermal industry complete the portfolio.