Norway Upgrades 100-Year Hydropower to Power Green Future

Norway is breathing new life into a century-old source of clean power, proving that the greenest energy might already be flowing through our rivers.

The Vikfalli hydropower complex in western Norway is getting a complete digital makeover. The three power stations, located about 170 kilometers northeast of Bergen, currently produce enough electricity to power 53,000 homes every year.

ABB, a global technology company, will modernize the control systems, safety equipment, and electrical infrastructure at the Målset, Refsdal, and Hove stations. The upgrade replaces aging analog systems with modern digital controls that can respond faster to changing power demands.

The timing matters more than ever. As Europe adds more solar panels and wind turbines to its grid, it needs reliable power sources that can quickly fill in when the sun doesn't shine or wind doesn't blow. Hydropower plants can ramp up or down in minutes, making them perfect partners for variable renewable energy.

The new systems will also strengthen cybersecurity protections and add vibration monitoring to catch potential equipment problems before they cause shutdowns. All three plants will share a common digital platform, making them easier to operate and maintain.

Statkraft, Norway's state-owned energy company that runs the complex, worked closely with ABB from the project's earliest planning stages. This collaboration approach reflects a growing trend in the energy sector to involve technology suppliers earlier when upgrading critical infrastructure.

The Ripple Effect

Norway already generates about 90 percent of its electricity from hydropower, and it exports clean energy to neighboring European countries through underwater cables. By modernizing existing plants instead of just building new ones, Norway shows how countries can maximize the potential of infrastructure they already have.

The upgrade also extends the working life of these facilities for decades to come. Rather than replacing old dams with new construction, this approach reduces waste and carbon emissions while maintaining reliable clean power.

The project represents a shift in how we think about renewable energy. While headlines often focus on the newest technologies, upgrading proven systems like hydropower delivers immediate climate benefits without the environmental cost of new development.

Work begins at Målset in 2028, with the other two stations following in 2029. By then, these century-old plants will be ready to help power Europe's renewable future for another hundred years.