en.Wedoany.com Reported - Statkraft has submitted a license application to the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) to convert the long-operating Mår hydropower plant in Rjukan, Tinn Municipality, into a new underground facility, with the new plant to be advanced approximately 1,000 meters into the mountain. This project is one of Statkraft's largest investments in Norway and a core component of the company's hydropower asset renewal plan.

According to the plan, the plant's installed capacity will nearly triple from the current 180 MW to 520 MW, while annual power generation will increase from about 1,140 GWh to approximately 1,300 GWh. To achieve greater head height and faster power output, the intake will be relocated to the Kalhovd reservoir, and the outlet to Tinnsjøen. The plan also includes an option for pumped storage expansion, which could further increase total installed capacity to 1,040 MW. Construction will require excavating approximately 40 kilometers of tunnels and generating large quantities of rock material; Statkraft is in discussions with Tinn Municipality and Telemark County regarding the reuse of this material. The company states that the project will not create new reservoirs or divert rivers, but will impact the local natural landscape; as a mitigation measure, two wild reindeer passages are planned to restore historical migration routes. The overall investment framework is NOK 9 billion, with an additional investment of approximately NOK 5 billion required if the pumped storage component proceeds. The final plan is subject to regulatory permits; Statkraft will then make a final investment decision based on the project's profitability, at which point it may choose to refurbish or fully replace the existing facilities.