Arendals Fossekompani upgrades the Flatenfoss hydropower plant
The Flatenfoss hydropower plant, which began operations in 1927, produces approximately 50 GWh annually—enough to cover the electricity consumption of around 3,000 Norwegian households. The dam facilities are now being upgraded to ensure stable operations for the next 100 years. Construction work begins in April and is scheduled for completion in 2028.
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The upgrade includes improving stability and increasing water discharge capacity. To enhance stability, the dams will be reinforced to withstand flooding and extreme weather conditions. Additionally, a new flood channel and spillway will be constructed to improve the dam’s water discharge capacity.
Climate conditions are becoming increasingly extreme, with more intense rainfall occurring over shorter periods of time. As a result, AFK Vannkraft is required to upgrade its dam facilities in accordance with current regulations to meet future climate-related challenges. Through investment in maintenance and modernisation, the company is securing stable and long-term power production.
“Maintaining reliable power production is a top priority for us. We are now preparing for the future by increasing the dam’s water discharge capacity. This will provide greater safety and more efficient flood management in the years ahead,” says Rolf Knutsen, Project Manager at AFK Vannkraft.
The construction company Consto has won the contract for the Flatenfoss project.
“We look forward to supporting Arendals Fossekompani through this important rehabilitation phase at Flatenfoss,” says Gentjan Ramaj, Project Manager at Consto Anlegg Sør AS.
About AFK Vannkraft:
AFK Vannkraft generates power at two locations in the Arendal watercourse. The Bøylefoss and Flatenfoss hydropower plants produce on average more than 500 GWh annually.
The Flatenfoss Hydropower Station utilizes a 10-meter drop in the lower section of the Arendal river system in Åmli Municipality, approximately four kilometers north of Bøylefoss. The original plant, which commenced operations in 1927, had a normal annual production of 27 GWh.