Project description
Hydropower plants are the backbone of the Norwegian power system, contributing more than 90% of the total normal annual production. Due to Norway’s unique natural landscape and water resources, these power plants have played a significant role in the country’s industrial development over the past century. As the EU aims for greater reliance on renewable energy—targeting 32% of total energy consumption from renewable sources by 2030—Norway has the capacity to play a larger role in the EU grid as "Europe’s green battery."
The power grid of the future requires stable and reliable energy sources that can quickly meet demand when, for example, wind power production is low, and store excess energy when wind power production is high. Norway is rich in hydropower and has the capacity to meet these requirements, as power production can be ramped up quickly, and energy can be stored, for instance, by pumping water back into reservoirs. However, to achieve this, hydropower plants must maintain high reliability and efficiency to ensure a stable supply—i.e., a stable power grid. Continuous monitoring of the condition of critical equipment such as turbines and generators, as well as the efficiency of the equipment, ensures that hydropower plants operate profitably and without unwanted shutdowns.
