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The key components of Statkraft’s investment program include:
Upgrades and transformations of Norwegian hydroelectric power plants with an investment ranging from €1.8 to 3 billion. Rehabilitation of dams and modernization of older power plants with a budget of €1.2 to 2 billion.
Renewal of existing and construction of new onshore wind farms, accounting for approximately €1 billion. A substantial increase in wind power production by 2,500 GWh or more, more than doubling the current production. A significant boost of 1,500-2,500MW in the installed effect of hydroelectric power plants, representing over a 20% increase. While new wind power will play a crucial role in meeting future power needs, hydropower remains the backbone of Norway’s energy system, owing to its unique characteristics. Statkraft’s focus on hydropower includes major upgrades to hydroelectric plants such as Mauranger, Aura, Alta, and Svean in Western, Central, and Northern Norway. However, the successful execution of these projects depends on factors such as a predictable regulatory framework, obtaining necessary concessions, power demand levels, and fostering a positive dialogue with local communities, as explained by Birgitte Ringstad Vartdal, Statkraft’s Executive Vice President for the Nordic region. “We are working to mature the best hydropower projects. These are large and complex, and take a long time to develop and build,” she said. Additionally, Statkraft plans to invest up to two billion euros between 2024-2030 in the rehabilitation of dams and modernization of older power plants, ensuring continued cost- effective and regulated power production, as well as bolstering facilities against extreme weather, floods, and potential security threats. In the realm of wind power, Statkraft, already Norway’s largest producer, is poised for substantial growth. Vartdal highlighted the potential of onshore wind as a fast and cost- effective solution for new power generation before 2030. The company has initiated the concession and planning process for the Moifjellet 260 MW wind power project in Rogaland and plans to repower existing wind farms in Smøla, Hitra, and Kjøllefjord, expecting a production increase of around 40%. Statkraft is actively exploring four potential wind power projects in Finnmark, Northern Norway, with the development contingent on grid capacity, concessions, and collaborative solutions with local stakeholders, including reindeer herders.
Tajikistan Webuild successfully completes pad foundation for Rogun Dam Webuild has achieved a significant milestone in the construction of the Rogun Dam in Tajikistan, set to be the world’s tallest dam at 335m – with
the completion of the pad foundation. Situated on the Vakhsh River, approximately
90km from the capital Dushanbe, Lot 2 of the Rogun Hydropower Plant is currently under construction by Webuild on behalf of OJSC Rogun HPP. This ambitious project, now 35% complete, involves tackling various technical, geological, climatic, and logistical challenges, demanding innovative solutions at a global level. The dam, composed of rockfill with a clay
material core (concrete pad in roller compacted concrete (RCC)), will boast a total volume of around 80 million m3
, featuring a crest length of
800m. Once finished, the Rogun Hydropower Plant is expected to have a total installed capacity of 3600MW, generated by six Francis Turbines, each with a capacity of 600MW. Already partially commissioned, with two turbines activated between 2018 and 2019, the Rogun Dam plays a crucial role in Tajikistan’s economic development, contributing to the country’s power generation capacity. The completed pad foundation, a RCC Pad divided into eight blocks, each 20 to 25m long, marks the commencement of the construction of the dam’s core. This significant structure, measuring 180m in total length, 120m in width, and reaching a maximum height of 22m, utilized approximately 290,000 m3
of RCC.
Many innovative solutions have been applied as part of this project, including the implementation of the “Flying Belt System.” This advanced material transport system, positioned on the left bank of the dam’s downstream area, consists of a suspended conveyor belt attached to 65mm diameter steel ropes. Spanning a total length of 650m, the system boasts a nominal transport capacity of 3,000 tons per hour, contributing to the streamlining of subsequent processing stages.
Vietnam RATCH Group increases renewable capacity in Vietnam with hydro investment RATCH Group Public Company Limited has taken a significant step towards its renewable energy goals by acquiring a 100% stake in the operational 30MW Minh Luong hydroelectric power plant located in Lao Cai province, Vietnam. The acquisition from Nam Tien Group was successfully completed on December 29, 2023, through NEXIF RATCH Energy Investment Pte. Ltd. (NREI), a 49% equity-owned joint venture valued at US$25 million, equivalent to THB 860 million. The Minh Luong hydroelectric power plant, a run-of-river facility, commenced commercial operations in 2018, generating approximately 103.15GWh per year. Vietnam Electricity Authority has a 20-year power purchase agreement to buy the electricity produced by the plant.
Ms. Choosri Kietkajornkul, Chief Executive Officer of RATCH Group Public Company
6 | February 2024 |
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Spain Iberdrola España secures green light for Spain’s first hybrid hydroelectric-solar plant Iberdrola España has successfully obtained environmental approval for the country’s inaugural hybrid photovoltaic and hydroelectric facility, named HIDRO Cedillo. The milestone was marked by the publication of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in the Official State Gazette (BOE). Situated in Cedillo, Extremadura, HIDRO Cedillo boasts a capacity of 86.4MW and will feature over 160,000 photovoltaic modules with a fixed structure. The project’s hybrid nature is designed to optimize grid utilization while mitigating environmental impact in its specific location. By integrating both hydroelectric and solar technologies, the plant aims to reduce dependency on fluctuating environmental conditions, ensuring more stable and efficient renewable energy production. Iberdrola said HIDRO Cedillo emphasizes a series of environmental protection measures aimed at promoting biodiversity in its surroundings. These initiatives include the construction of additional water points to facilitate water availability for different sectors of the solar photovoltaic plant. The project also incorporates watering troughs for livestock, naturalized ponds for local wildlife, and exclusion zones to safeguard river courses, ponds, unique vegetation, trees, and habitats of interest. To protect reptiles and amphibians during critical periods of their life cycle, the project includes shelters and anti-collision barriers. For
Limited, emphasized that this investment marked a significant stride in expanding the company’s business footprint in Vietnam. NREI, a collaboration between RATCH Group and Nexif Energy, played a pivotal role, leveraging its experience and expertise in the power business within the ASEAN and Asia Pacific regions. The acquisition adds 14.7MW to the company’s capacity, bringing the total renewable energy capacity to 2947.93MW, accounting for 27.24% of the total capacity.
Ms. Choosri outlined the broader strategy, stating: “RATCH Group is actively driving development and investment in Vietnam through NREI, which currently has a pipeline including a 12 MW under-construction hydroelectric power plant and five under- development solar and wind power projects with a combined capacity of around 520 MW. Upon successful completion of these pipeline projects, our renewable portfolio is poised to reach close to 30% of the total capacity, aligning with our 2030 goal.” Following the investment in the Minh Luong
project, RATCH Group’s committed capacity in Vietnam has risen to 266.19MW, comprising 136.71 MW from fossil fuel sources and 129.48MW from renewable sources.
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