GE Vernova’s Hydropower business to service 840 MW Norway Aurland Hydropower Plant with new Rotorpoles

GE Vernova’s Hydro Power business announced that it has been selected by Hafslund Eco to deliver new Rotorpoles for the 3x 280 MW / 300 MVA water-cooled generators used by the Aurland 1 hydropower plant in Norway.

The replacement of the Rotorpoles on the three water-cooled generators will help maintain the efficiency of the generators for decades. The services activities will be completed between the summer of 2025 and 2027. The Rotorpoles are to be assembled in GE Vernova’s Norway Services Workshop in Lier.

To optimize downtime, Hafslund Eco also decided to combine the service of the water-cooled generators with the refurbishment program of the hydropower plant expected within the same timeframe.

Water-cooled generators can offer up to 20-30% higher power output and higher efficiency than conventional air-cooled generators, reducing operating temperatures and ventilation losses. GE Vernova’s Hydro Power business has demonstrated its expertise delivering components for projects in Norway and beyond.

Tormod Kleppa (Director of Projects), Hafslund ECO, said: “We are happy to be working with GE on this project. 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.“

Built between 1969-1989, the Aurland 1 HPP represents Hafslund Eco’s largest power plant, and Norway’s third largest hydropower plant, delivering 840 MW of renewable energy to the country.

In Norway, more than 90% of power generation comes from hydropower (~33 GW installed base). According to the International Hydropower Association (IHA), the huge potential for hydropower in Norway is linked to the high mountain plateaus, abundant natural lakes and steep valleys and fjords. Hydropower provided the basis for the nation’s industrialization in the late 19th century, and remains the backbone of its power system.

Pascal Radue, Hydro Power President & CEO, GE Vernova, said: “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.“

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About GE Vernova’s Hydro Power business
With around 4,000 employees in over 30 countries, GE Vernova’s hydropower turbines and generators produce more than 25% of the world’s hydropower capacity and more than 30% of hydropower storage plants are equipped with GE’s technology. GE Vernova’s Hydro Power business provides hydropower solutions to deliver more renewable energy to the world in a reliable and sustainable way. From services solutions to pumped storage, their portfolio includes a broad range of hydro solutions and services. To learn more visit gevernova.com.

GE Vernova is a dynamic accelerator comprised of our Power, Renewable Energy, Digital and Energy Financial Services businesses, focused on supporting customers’ transformations during the global energy transition.

Source – GE