NIB finances increased hydropower efficiency in Norway

NIB has signed a 10-year loan with Norwegian energy company Agder Energi AS to renew hydropower facilities and install an additional turbine at an existing hydro power plant in Agder, Norway.

The NOK 600 million (EUR 59.39 million) loan will finance Agder Energi’s Åseral Nord hydropower project along the Mandal watercourse. The project consists of a new dam, a hydro tunnel and an additional turbine at the Skjerka power station. The investment is expected to increase production capacity by 60 GWh annually, to maintain security of supply and to contribute to more efficient use of hydropower resources.

Agder Energi is constructing a new dam directly downstream from the old Langevatn dam, which dates back to the 1950s. The new dam is 10 metres higher and increases the reservoir volume from 22 million cubic metres to 47 million cubic metres.

As the existing approximately 13 km-long tunnel connecting the Langevatn dam to the Nåvatn reservoir is in poor condition and at risk of collapsing, the company is constructing a new tunnel of 7.2 kilometres. This new tunnel will enable better hydraulic capacity.

The Skjerka hydropower plant utilises water from the Nåvatn reservoir. The power plant will be equipped with an additional Francis turbine. The turbine hall is located inside the mountain.

“The increased storage capacity, hydraulic capacity and generation will have a positive impact on the use of water resources and the management of downstream flows affecting a number of power units utilising the river system. Projects like these are important in balancing the variable wind and solar power in the European power market and for contributing to the green shift” says Henrik Normann, President & CEO of NIB.

Agder Energi AS is one of the largest hydropower producers in Norway, and majority-owned by local municipalities. The company’s operations also include distribution, end-user hydropower sales and other services.

NIB is an international financial institution owned by eight member countries: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden. The Bank finances private and public projects in and outside the member countries. NIB has the highest possible credit rating, AAA/Aaa, with the leading rating agencies Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s.

For further information, please contact
Mr Yngve Söderlund, Senior Manager Lending, Origination, at +358 10 618 0239, yngve.soderlund@nib.int

Mr Arild Moen, Senior Communications Officer, at +358 10 618 0496, arild.moen@nib.int