ABB has been selected by Statkraft to modernise three hydropower plants in Norway, extending the life of key renewable energy assets on the country’s west coast.
The project covers the Vikfalli hydropower complex in Vik municipality, around 170km northeast of Bergen. The complex comprises the Målset, Refsdal and Hove power stations, with five generating units in total.
The plants produce around 830GWh of electricity each year, enough to supply approximately 53,000 Norwegian homes.
The order was booked in the second quarter of 2026. Financial details were not disclosed.
Control systems and grid resilience
ABB’s scope includes the installation of the ABB Ability System 800xA distributed control system and monitoring platform.
The system will be integrated with existing third-party turbine systems to provide a unified operating environment across the hydropower complex.
The contract also includes UNITROL 8000 excitation systems for all five generating units, as well as protection systems, cybersecurity, low and medium voltage electrical systems, vibration monitoring, digital solutions, cable supply and installation.
The upgraded excitation and protection systems are designed to support compliance with evolving grid codes and improve stability in a power system that is integrating growing volumes of variable renewable energy.
“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 optimised,” said Inge Hass, power plant manager of group Sogn at Statkraft.
Norway’s hydropower backbone
Hydropower remains central to Norway’s electricity system. Statistics Norway’s latest monthly electricity data shows hydropower accounted for 88.9% of total electricity generation in July 2026.
The sector also plays an important balancing role for interconnected European markets, providing flexible renewable generation as wind and solar capacity grows.
Globally, the International Energy Agency identifies hydropower as the world’s third-largest source of electricity, accounting for around 14% of global electricity generation in 2024.
“Hydropower is an important part of an expanding energy system, helping to grow renewable capacity and deliver stable baseload power to the grid,” said Per Erik Holsten, president of ABB’s Energy Industries division.
“The priority now is ensuring that existing assets such as Vikfalli are equipped to fulfil that role for future needs with modern control and digital solutions.”
Work starts in 2028
ABB secured the order after working with Statkraft from the early development phase to define and optimise the technical solution before the main contract was placed.
The approach reflects a wider trend among owners of critical energy infrastructure to involve technology partners earlier in long-life upgrade projects, with the aim of reducing risk and improving project outcomes.
Site activities at Målset are scheduled to begin in 2028, with work at Refsdal and Hove expected to follow in 2029.
FAQs
Which hydropower plants will ABB modernise?
ABB will modernise the Målset, Refsdal and Hove hydropower plants, which together form the Vikfalli complex in Vik municipality, Norway.
What technology will ABB install?
The project includes ABB Ability System 800xA, UNITROL 8000 excitation systems, protection systems, cybersecurity, electrical systems, vibration monitoring and digital solutions.
How much electricity does Vikfalli produce?
The complex produces around 830GWh per year, enough for approximately 53,000 Norwegian homes.
When will work begin?
Site activities at Målset are scheduled to begin in 2028, with Refsdal and Hove to follow in 2029.
