Aker Solutions has been awarded a contract by Hafslund Kraft for the modernization of Nes Power Station in Buskerud, Norway, in what the companies describe as one of the country's most significant hydropower upgrades.

The announcement was made on October 8, 2026. Nes Power Station has an installed capacity of 332 MW and generates approximately 1.5 TWh annually, making it one of the major contributors of renewable energy to the Norwegian power system.

Scope of the Modernization Programme

The modernization programme is designed to increase the plant's capacity by approximately 80 MW and boost annual production by around 37 GWh, while also extending the facility's operational lifetime and reliability.

Aker Solutions' scope of work includes the replacement and modernization of the non-embedded turbine components for the plant's four 83 MW Francis units, an upgrade of the governor control systems, and rehabilitation of the main inlet valves. In addition, Aker Solutions will deliver a digital twin of the plant.

The digital twin is intended to increase flexibility and enable the 80 MW power capacity increase while working with the existing headrace tunnel, which is more than 30 kilometres long. The digital twin will also support data-driven optimization of operations.

The company notes that this builds on its previous experience in hydropower digitalization, including digital twin implementations at other hydropower stations in Norway.

Industry Commentary

Jo Kjetil Krabbe, Executive Vice President for the Power Solutions segment at Aker Solutions, emphasized the significance of the partnership with Hafslund Kraft. "We are proud to partner with Hafslund Kraft on one of Norway's most ambitious hydropower modernization projects.

By upgrading proven assets, we can unlock additional renewable energy production, increase flexibility, and help secure a reliable power supply for decades to come," Krabbe said.

Krabbe also framed the project in the broader context of the energy transition, stating: "Projects like Nes demonstrate that modernizing hydropower assets is one of the most effective ways to increase clean energy production while minimizing environmental impact."

Project Timeline

Work on the project has already started, with final delivery scheduled for 2032. The award positions Aker Solutions at the centre of one of the most ambitious hydropower modernization efforts underway in Norway, with the upgrade expected to add substantial renewable generation capacity to the Norwegian power system over the coming years.

For media enquiries, Hallvard Norum serves as global media contact for Aker Solutions from the company's Fornebu, Norway, location.

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