Statkraft applies to build new 257 MW Høyanger K5 hydropower plant in Norway

en.Wedoany.com Reported - On August 21, Norwegian state-owned power company Statkraft submitted a license application to the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) to build two new hydropower plants, Høyanger K5 and Breidal, in the municipality of Høyanger in Vestland county, to replace the existing Høyanger K5A and K5B units.

The existing plants were commissioned between 1965 and 1979, with a total installed capacity of approximately 109 MW and an annual generation of about 700 GWh. Although they remain in overall good condition, several core components are nearing the end of their design life. The new plants are planned with a total installed capacity of approximately 257 MW and an expected annual generation of about 780 GWh, representing an increase of roughly 10% compared to current levels, while also providing greater peaking capability. The project investment framework is slightly below NOK 3 billion (approximately USD 280 million).

The new Høyanger K5 plant is planned to be built between Bergsvatn and Høyangsfjorden, with new intakes, tunnels, and an underground powerhouse; the Breidal plant is planned to be built between Nedre Breidalsvatn and Bergsvatn. Neither plant involves new reservoirs or changes to existing flow regulation.

Pål Otto Eide, Senior Vice President for Business Development in the Nordics at Statkraft, stated that when aging hydropower plants face major reinvestment decisions, it is necessary to assess whether resources can be utilized more efficiently; this project can generate more power and flexibility within an already regulated watercourse.

Since Statkraft announced in May 2026 an investment of NOK 80 billion in Norway over the next ten years, the Høyanger K5 upgrade has been one of its key projects. If the project is approved and meets profitability requirements, the construction period is expected to be four to five years. NVE will initiate the license review and solicit public comments in accordance with established procedures.