Local News Sweden
01/07/2025: Revitalizing Sweden’s Skultuna hydropower plant – Next chapter begins!
Exciting developments are underway at the Skultuna hydropower plant! Located along the picturesque Svartån river in Västmanland county, Sweden, near Västerås, this facility has been a cornerstone of sustainable energy since 1990. Skultuna consists of a powerful Kaplan turbine, originally manufactured by Undenäs, now part of ANDRITZ.
ANDRITZ have been awarded contract, based on a signed frame agreement with Mälarenergi, that started out with an inspection and grew into a refurbishment contract of the turbine.
The refurbishment project encompasses the overhaul of the Kaplan runner and other turbine equipment, as well as site installation and commissioning. Additionally, we are collaborating with another supplier to oversee the generator's overhaul. Our mission is to ensure the continued operation of this vital energy source for years to come.
The execution of this ambitious project is set to be executed in 2025. We are proud to partner with Mälarenergi in this endeavor, demonstrating our commitment to innovation and sustainability.
Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this exciting journey!
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20/06/2025: Enhancing performance: Finnfors G2 Kaplan turbine refurbishment
After a long and successful process, the refurbishment of the Finnfors G2 Kaplan turbine is now set in motion. This major upgrade will significantly boost performance and secure reliable operation for another 40 years.
Project location: Finnfors hydropower plant, Skellefteälven river, Västerbotten county, Sweden
Scope of contract for ANDRITZ:
- New water-filled Kaplan runner with a model test
- New shaft and guide vanes
- Refurbishment of existing parts
- New HPU
- Site installation and commissioning
Execution on site: 2027
The Finnfors hydropower plant features two Kaplan turbines on the south side of the river and an older plant on the north side. Unit 2 was originally commissioned in 1979 by KMW – now part of ANDRITZ – and will be brought into a new era of efficiency and reliability.
Stay tuned for more updates!
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21/05/2025: ANDRITZ Hydropower expands with new SSB O&M location in Karlstad, Sweden
ANDRITZ Hydropower North Europe is excited to announce the opening of a new location in Karlstad, Sweden with strong focus on Small Service Business and Operation & Maintenance (SSB and O&M). This strategic move aims to strengthen our position in the growing service market of Southern Sweden. In the first stage, ANDRITZ Hydropower plans to hire five people, both white and blue collar, to support this expansion. We are pleased to welcome Anna Grahn as the location manager and Henrik Hård, who will continue as project manager in the region. Active recruitment for remaining key roles is ongoing.
This new location will work closely with our other Nordic locations and will report directly to the Head of SSB O&M Nordic, Atle Øderud. ANDRITZ Hydropower will share office space with ANDRITZ Pulp and Paper in the city center of Karlstad, with the official opening in May 2025. This milestone marks a significant achievement for the SSB O&M team, and particularly for ANDRITZ in the Nordic region.
At ANDRITZ Hydropower, our SSB team provides fast, flexible, and solution-oriented services for hydropower plants. We handle technical assessments, spare parts requests, equipment failures, and on-site field services with dedication and regional expertise
ANDRITZ offers operation and maintenance services to optimize power plant performance and ensure asset reliability. Our digital solution is based on a modular and flexible design and provides decision guidance for target-oriented maintenance programs.
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14/01/2025: Successful completion of Järkkvissle turbine model test
In the last quarter of 2024 the model test for the Järkkvissle turbine in Sweden was successfully completed at the ANDRITZ model test laboratory in Tampere, Finland. The test was conducted in the presence of officials from our customer Vattenfall and ANDRITZ, marking a key milestone for the project.
New oil-free Kaplan turbine at the large size of 7.5m in runner diameter will be installed to Järkkvissle hydropower plant. Guaranteed performance parameters were tested and approved during the model test. The turbine model exceeded expectations by achieving a performance value that surpassed the contractual requirement, thereby demonstrating high benefits of model testing and quality of our turbine design. The Järkkvissle project is set to be completed by April 2027. Once operational, it will contribute significantly to the region’s renewable energy production goals.
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12/11/2024: Lövön hydropower plant in Sweden is set for modernization overhaul
In Scandinavia, where environmental sustainability is a top priority, the modernization of the Lövön hydropower plant in Sweden marks a significant step forward. Situated on the Faxälven River in Jämtland County, the Lövön power plant has been generating electricity since 1975 and features two bulb turbines with a combined capacity of approximately 37 MW. This modernization project was awarded to ANDRITZ and aims to enhance the performance of the units and ensure operational efficiency for the next four decades.
The project scope includes the installation of new water-filled runners, refurbishment of existing components, deployment of a new high-pressure unit, on-site installation, and commissioning.
The modernization project will be executed by ANDRITZ Hydropower in Finland, showcasing the company's commitment to the Swedish hydropower sector. With operations in Finland, Sweden, and Norway, ANDRITZ has a long-standing history in the region. Today, nearly 90% of Sweden's hydropower capacity operates with equipment supplied by the company, underscoring its pivotal role in the country's energy landscape.
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20/03/2024: ANDRITZ secures contract to modernize Hölleforsen hydropower plant
We are pleased to announce that ANDRITZ has been awarded the contract to modernize the G1 turbine at the Hölleforsen hydropower plant in Sweden. Located on the Indalsälven River in Jämtland County, the Hölleforsen power plant has been generating electricity since 1949 and has three Kaplan turbines with a total capacity of about 151 MW. The objective of this project is to improve the performance of the units and ensure operational efficiency for the next four decades.
The scope of work encompasses the installation of a new waterfilled Kaplan runner, refurbishment of existing components, deployment of a new high-pressure unit (HPU), on-site installation, and commissioning. Model testing is scheduled to take place at the Älvkarleby Vattenfall hydraulic laboratory in early 2024.
With locations in three Nordic countries – Finland, Sweden, and Norway - ANDRITZ remains dedicated to the Swedish hydropower sector, looking back on a long history in the country. Today, almost 90% of Sweden's hydropower capacity is operated with equipment supplied by ANDRITZ.
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20/02/2024: Vattenkraftens Temadag 2024
February 7, 2024 at Hallstaberget, Sollefteå and Hammarforsen Power Plant
Recurring event arranged by Norconsult where ANDRITZ is a participating sponsor.
ANDRITZ was present and during our presentation we informed the audience about our Nordic set-up, analysis from a collaborative XFLEX Hydro Turbine-Battery Hybrid project, and our O&M – Asset Management with Metris DiOMera.
ANDRITZ had a small stand in which the participants could pick-up DiOMera and HyBaTec brochures, HydroNews customer magazine and other things.
A plant tour was also on the program. It took place at the Statkrafts Hammarforsen plant, where a comprehensive refurbishment is currently underway. Three out of five units are being refurbished with new Kaplan runners and one unit with an almost completely new generator.
Outside, a large spill gate from 1928 is being replaced, and the ongoing concrete work was on display in the cold, frosty weather. Many thanks to Statkraft and NCC for the very interesting project description and the tour.
The day ended with a nice dinner and opportunities to establish new contacts and catch up with old ones.
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01/02/2024: Vattenkraftens Temadag 2024
February 7, 2024 at Hallstaberget, Sollefteå and Hammarforsen Power Plant
Recurring event arranged by Norconsult where ANDRITZ is a participating sponsor.
The purpose of the meeting is to be able to meet customers, suppliers, consultants and others to present what is current in Hydropower in Sweden this year.
Event facts:
- Vattenkraftens Tema dag
- When: February 7, 2024
- Where: Hotell Hallstaberget, Sollefteå
- Organizer: Norconsult
- Webpage event: Vattenkraftens Temadag
ANDRITZ will be there! We look forward to meeting, presenting, and discussing with others in the industry.
We look forward to seeing you there too!
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22/05/2023: ANDRITZ awarded contracts for hydro refurbishments in Sweden
ANDRITZ has been awarded contracts by Uniper for the refurbishment of four hydro power plants in Sweden.
The contracts include the refurbishment of Hällforsen G2, Gulsele, and Betsele G1 & G2. All of these projects, except Gusele, which is a stand alone refurbishment project, are part of the Umeälven upgrade project with the objective to increase unit performance and maintain operation for another 40 years.
The hydropower plants Hällforsen and Betsele are located on the Ume River, in the region of Västerbotten, near the village of Lycksele. Both hydropower plants were originally delivered by NOHAB (now ANDRITZ). The Hällforsen G2 turbine has been commissioned in 1964, whereas Betsele is equipped with two Kaplan units commissioned in 1965.
The scope of work for the refurbishment of Hällforsen includes the installation of a new waterfilled Kaplan runner, model testing, refurbishment of existing parts, new HPU, site installation, and commissioning. The execution at the site is scheduled for 2027.
In 2011, the generator and turbine of unit G2 of Betsele was completely refurbished, and the runner was re-built with self-lubricated bearing systems. However, the regulating forces of the runner have been steadily increasing, and there is a substantial risk of malfunction. The scope of work for the refurbishment of Betsele G1 & G2 includes the installation of a new waterfilled Kaplan runner, model testing, refurbishment of existing parts, new HPU, site installation, and commissioning. The execution at the site is scheduled for 2025 and 2028.
Gulsele G2 is located on the river Angermanalven in Vasternorrland. It was commissioned in 1954 and the original manufacturer was KMW (now ANDRITZ). The scope of work for the refurbishment includes the installation of a new waterfilled Kaplan runner, model testing, refurbishment of existing parts, new HPU, site installation, and commissioning. The execution at the site is scheduled for 2025.
Approximately half of Sweden's electricity generation is coming from hydropower. The Swedish government has set ambitious targets for increasing the share of renewable energy sources in the country's energy mix, and the refurbishment of existing hydro power plants is an important part of achieving those targets. With its extensive experience in the hydropower industry, ANDRITZ is well positioned to support Sweden in achieving its renewable energy goals.