ABB to Modernize Three Norwegian Hydropower Plants in Statkraft Deal
ABB has been selected by Statkraft, Norway's state-owned power company, to lead a comprehensive modernization of the Vikfalli hydropower complex. Nestled in Vik municipality, about 170 kilometers northeast of Bergen on Norway's rugged west coast, the three plants—Målset, Refsdal, and Hove—collectively generate 830 GWh of electricity each year. To put that into perspective, that is enough to power approximately 53,000 Norwegian homes. The order was booked in the second quarter of 2026, though financial terms were not disclosed.
This project, however, is about far more than routine maintenance. It represents a strategic investment in Norway's renewable energy backbone. With hydropower responsible for nearly 90 percent of the country's total electricity generation as of June 2026, ensuring the long-term reliability of these assets is critical—not just for domestic supply, but also for Norway's role as a balancing resource for interconnected European markets.
A Comprehensive Upgrade Across All Three Plants
The Vikfalli complex comprises three power stations with a combined total of five generating units: Målset (24 MW), Refsdal (92 MW), and Hove (68 MW). ABB's scope of work is extensive, covering the complete modernization of control, protection, excitation, and electrical infrastructure. At the heart of the upgrade is the installation of the ABB Ability System 800xA distributed control system and monitoring platform, which will integrate seamlessly with existing third-party turbine systems to create a unified operational environment across the entire complex.
In addition, ABB will deploy UNITROL 8000 excitation systems for all five generating units, along with advanced cybersecurity measures, low and medium voltage electrical systems, vibration monitoring and protection, digital solutions, and full cable supply and installation. The integration of modern excitation and protection systems is particularly significant, as it ensures compliance with evolving grid codes for generators—adding stability and resilience capabilities essential for a power system that must accommodate growing volumes of variable renewable energy like wind and solar.
Early Collaboration for Optimized Outcomes
One of the distinguishing features of this project is how it was secured. ABB worked alongside Statkraft from the earliest development phase to define and optimize the technical solution before the main contract was even placed. Inge Hass, Power Plant Manager of group Sogn at Statkraft, emphasized the value of this approach: "The upgrade of Vikfalli is an important step in strengthening Norway's renewable energy infrastructure and we worked closely with ABB from the earliest stage to ensure the solution was optimized."
This collaborative model reflects a broader shift in how major owners of critical energy infrastructure are approaching long-life upgrades. By bringing technology partners in earlier, they reduce project risk, improve outcomes, and ensure that the final solution is fit for purpose from day one.
Hydropower's Role in a Changing Energy Landscape
Hydropower remains the world's third-largest source of electricity, accounting for approximately 14 percent of global production in 2024. With more than 154 GW of new capacity forecast to come online by the end of the decade, the sector is poised for continued growth. Norway, with its abundant water resources and mountainous terrain, is a global leader in this space—generating about 90 percent of its electricity from hydropower.
Per Erik Holsten, President of ABB's Energy Industries division, captures the significance of this moment: "Hydropower is an important part of an expanding energy system, helping to grow renewable capacity and deliver stable baseload power to the grid. The priority now is ensuring that existing assets such as Vikfalli are equipped to fulfill that role for future needs with modern control and digital solutions that enable them to run more safely, cleaner and leaner, and to be ready for tomorrow's grid requirements."
Site activities at Målset are scheduled to commence in 2028, with Refsdal and Hove to follow in 2029. Over the coming years, this upgrade will not only extend the life of vital infrastructure but also reinforce Norway's position as a reliable, low-carbon energy partner for Europe.