By rosebell
In order to upgrading an existing water tunnel and constructing a new access tunnel at Saurdal hydroelectric power plant in the municipality of Suldal, Rogaland County, Norway, Skanska has concluded a contract with Norwegian energy company Statkraft.
With the aim of producing over than 1,400GWh of electricity annually, Saurdal hydroelectric power plant uses water from the Blåsjø reservoir that is Norway’s largest reservoir. The 10km tunnel links the power plant with the reservoir and Skanska is due to upgrade and reinforce the existing tunnel, as well as construct a new 2km-long access tunnel.
With NOK4 (€41.1m) value construction of this project will commence in June 2025 and the planned date for its completion is June 2028.
While 1985 was inauguration date of Saurdal power plant, the work carried out by Skanska will boost the operational reliability and reduce water loss, the efficiency and reliability of energy production.
The power plant has four generating units, two of which can be reversed to pump water back up into the reservoir instead of producing electricity.
