GE Vernova's hydropower business has been chosen by Hafslund Eco to provide new Rotorpoles for the 3x 280MW / 300 MVA water-cooled generators used by the Aurland 1 hydropower plant in Norway. 

Scheduled to take place between the summer of 2025 and 2027, the service activities will be carried out in GE Vernova's Norway Services Workshop located in Lier. By combining the generator service with the forthcoming refurbishment program of the hydropower plant, Hafslund Eco aims to optimize downtime and streamline the overall operational efficiency of the facility.

“We are happy to be working with GE on this project,” said Tormod Kleppa (Director of Projects), Hafslund ECO. “The Servicing of our Aurland 1 is an important project for us and we are glad to count on GE to deliver the new Rotorpoles while the refurbishment program is undergoing."

The Aurland 1 hydropower plant, constructed between 1969 and 1989, represents Hafslund Eco's largest power plant and ranks as the third-largest hydropower facility in Norway with 840MW capacity.

Norway heavily relies on hydropower, which accounts for over 90% of its total power generation. The country's unique geography, characterized by high mountain plateaus, abundant natural lakes, steep valleys, and fjords, offers immense potential for hydropower development. Hydropower has been a cornerstone of Norway's industrialization since the late 19th century and continues to serve as the backbone of its power system.

Pascal Radue, Hydro Power President & CEO of GE Vernova, expressed his enthusiasm for the project and the broader role of hydropower in Norway's energy transition, stating: "Norway has been an inspiring example of how hydropower can contribute to the energy transition by delivering a large amount of renewable energy in the very long term. Today, the average age of the fleet is about 50 years, opening up for refurbishment needs, that will help extend the lifetime but also increase even more the efficiency of hydropower plants, without any need to re-build a dam. We are thrilled to partner with Hafslund ECO on this service project."

 

Image: Aurland hydropower plant. Courtesy of Hafslund Eco