| World news
be achieved while delivering reliable renewable power,” Fraser-Smith said. “This certification not only validates our approach but also sets a benchmark for responsible investment in the hydropower sector.”
With over half a century of operation, the
Mascarenhas Hydropower Plant continues to provide low-carbon electricity while supporting regional economic growth. The Gold certification positions the project as a model for integrating sustainability into renewable energy investments.
Norway Skanska to build new hydroelectric power plant in Norway Skanska has secured a NOK 507 million contract with Statkraft to construct the new Svean power plant in Klæbu, Trøndelag County, Norway. The agreement is part of Skanska’s order bookings for the Nordic region in the first quarter of 2025. The project involves building a new
hydroelectric power plant near the existing Svean facility, which has been operational since 1940 and requires significant rehabilitation. The curent plant will remain operational for most of the construction period. The new facility will be located inside the mountain, with Skanska responsible for all building-related work. This includes excavating 1.6km of tunnels and reusing a 3km transfer tunnel from Selbusjøen to Svean. A new intake will also be constructed in Selbusjøen. Once operational, the new power plant is
expected to produce approximately 130 GWh of electricity annually, enough to supply about 6,000 households. Construction was set to begin in January 2025, with completion anticipated by December 2027.
Portugal Eco Wave Power advances wave energy project in Porto Eco Wave Power Global AB, a company specializing in onshore wave energy technology, has engaged Portuguese engineering firm MOQ Engineering to complete the final design and load calculations for its wave energy project in Porto, Portugal. The project aims to launch in 2026 and is part of a 20MW Concession Agreement with Administração dos Portos do Douro, Leixões e Viana do Castelo, S.A. (APDL). The Porto project will incorporate Eco Wave Power’s wave energy technology and will include an underwater wave energy museum and education center housed in “The Gallery,” a space beneath the breakwater where energy conversion equipment will be installed. The initiative aligns with Portugal’s goal to source 85% of its electricity from renewable energy by 2030.
Once MOQ completes its work, Eco Wave Power will submit the finalized execution
project to APDL for approval. This step will enable the transition to producing floaters and structural components for the system. The project is designed to demonstrate
large-scale wave energy production and is expected to reduce the port’s carbon footprint, create jobs, and advance Portugal’s renewable energy sector. Eco Wave Power is also working on projects
in Taiwan, the Port of Los Angeles, and other locations globally. These initiatives aim to expand the company’s presence in the renewable energy market. “This collaboration with MOQ Engineering
represents significant progress in the development of our Portuguese project,” said Inna Braverman, CEO of Eco Wave Power. “Their expertise in engineering and design ensures we are meeting the highest safety and operational standards. With their work on track for completion this February, we are moving closer to realizing our goal to make wave energy an integral part of Portugal’s renewable energy mix.” Manuel Cardoso, Partner at MOQ Engineering, added: “We are honored to partner with Eco Wave Power on this innovative wave energy project. At MOQ, we pride ourselves on delivering engineering solutions that align with the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and sustainability. This project showcases the potential of wave energy as a reliable, sustainable power source and helps pave the way for its global adoption.”
US
Aurora Water to generate renewable energy from drinking water system Aurora Water, Colorado’s second-largest water provider, will install an in-conduit hydroelectric system to generate renewable energy from its drinking water system. The project, using InPipe Energy’s HydroXS technology, aligns with the city’s sustainability goals and aims to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions. The HydroXS system integrates with existing
water pipelines, converting excess water pressure into clean electricity. The system, which replaces a pressure-reducing valve at Aurora Water’s Gun Club pressure regulator facility, will generate 255,000kWh of energy annually when it goes online in June 2024. Over its lifespan, it is expected to offset 3,400 tons of carbon emissions. “Aurora Water is always looking for opportunities to reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to fighting climate change,” said Marshall Brown, General Manager at Aurora Water. “This approach from InPipe Energy makes sense, and we’re happy that we can evaluate this project and look for future opportunities to deploy the HydroXS across our service area to achieve our efficiency, sustainability, and resilience goals.”
The project is the first HydroXS installation in Colorado and features a new pump-as-turbine technology co-developed by InPipe Energy and Grundfos.
“Millions of miles of pipelines carrying enormous amounts of potential energy lie beneath our streets and can be tapped to generate carbon-free electricity,” said Gregg Semler, CEO of InPipe Energy. “This project in Aurora is a view into a future where we can use water in pipelines to create an abundant, predictable, and reliable source of renewable energy that will help make water more available and affordable for people all over the world.” Beyond energy generation, the HydroXS
system provides operational data, reduces water loss, and benefits from Colorado’s recent net metering rules, which make green energy investments more economical. The project also qualifies for incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.
Norway
ANDRITZ secures contract for Øksenelvane hydropower plant ANDRITZ has been awarded a contract by Sogn og Fjordane Energi (SFE) to supply electromechanical equipment for the new Øksenelvane hydropower plant in Bremanger municipality, Norway. The plant will replace the existing facility, which will be decommissioned after over 70 years of
operation.The contract, issued through SFE’s subsidiary Firdakraft AS, includes engineering, manufacturing, and supply of two Pelton turbines, each with a 55MW capacity. Additional equipment will include turbine governors, main inlet valves, penstocks, cooling systems, generators, excitation systems, transformers, and automation and monitoring systems. ANDRITZ will also handle installation, testing, and commissioning. The contract value has not been disclosed. The new hydropower plant will increase clean energy production by 21GWh annually, bringing total output to 171GWh. The advanced Pelton units are designed to enhance grid stability and provide critical grid services, which were instrumental in ANDRITZ securing the deal.
Scheduled for completion in 2028, the
project aligns with SFE’s strategy to expand renewable energy in Norway. SFE currently produces 2.4TWh of renewable electricity annually, supplying approximately 130,000 households. “We are honoured to partner with SFE in developing this new hydropower plant and look forward to contributing to Norway’s sustainable energy future,” said Kjetil Toverud, Managing Director of ANDRITZ Hydro AS in Norway. “The Øksenelvane project underlines ANDRITZ’s commitment to delivering reliable, high-performance hydropower solutions that support a clean energy future and stable grids.”
www.waterpowermagazine.com | February 2025 | 7
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45
