EFLA Awarded Supervision Contract for 65 MW Hydropower Expansion in Iceland

en.Wedoany.com Reported - On August 21, Iceland's state-owned power company Landsvirkjun announced it has signed a contract with EFLA for construction supervision of the Sigalda Hydropower Station expansion, as well as oversight of related modifications and maintenance. EFLA will collaborate with Norwegian engineering consultancy Multiconsult, with services covering the entire construction period, expected to continue until 2029.

The expansion will add turbine hall space to the southwest of the existing powerhouse, install a fourth generating unit, lay new penstocks, and widen the tailrace channel near the station. Upon completion, the station's installed capacity will increase from 150 MW to 215 MW, adding 65 MW, an increase of approximately 43%. The project utilizes existing reservoirs and water conveyance facilities, with no new reservoirs to be built.

The Sigalda Hydropower Station began operation in 1978 and currently has three generating units with a unit capacity of 50 MW each, producing approximately 930 GWh annually. This expansion is primarily aimed at increasing adjustable capacity and power system response capability, with energy output expected to increase only slightly due to improved operational efficiency.

Project preparation began in March 2025, with excavation of the powerhouse expansion area starting in the autumn of the same year. COWI is responsible for the expansion design, while Ístak handles major civil works including the powerhouse extension, penstocks, temporary cofferdams, and tailrace widening; DSD Noell GmbH is responsible for the design, manufacturing, installation, and testing of trash racks, gates, piping, and related equipment.

The construction schedule includes two outage periods: the station will be shut down for two months from July to August 2026, with an additional shutdown of approximately four months planned for summer 2028. During the outages, the Krókslón reservoir will be drained, and inflow will be diverted through the Sigalda canyon. The entire expansion project is scheduled for completion in autumn 2029.