Statkraft to build Blåfjell Pump into Blåsjø reservoir
- Blåfjell Pump will lift about 60 metres of water into Blåsjø, increasing Ulla‑Førre generation by 54 GWh.
- Four local and regional contractors were awarded construction contracts totalling NOK 250 million.
- Project cost is roughly NOK 300 million; pump is planned for commissioning by December 2027 and associated dam work completed during 2028.
- Statkraft has earmarked NOK 70 billion for Norwegian hydropower investments over the next ten years; work starts immediately.
Project overview
Statkraft will build the Blåfjell Pump to channel more water directly into Blåsjø, Norway’s largest hydropower reservoir, increasing production in the Ulla‑Førre power plants by 54 GWh. The measure uses water from three smaller lakes in Hjelmeland that currently flow to a lower-level plant, lifting it into Blåsjø for more efficient use.
Technical details
The scheme includes a transfer tunnel, a pumping station inside the mountain and several smaller transfer structures to lift water roughly 60 metres into the reservoir. Blåsjø acts as a multi-year "hydropower battery" that stores water to balance dry and wet years.
Schedule and cost
Construction starts immediately with an aim to commission the pump by December 2027. Total project cost is approximately NOK 300 million, and improvements on four dams at Blåsjø’s western end are planned for completion during 2028.
Local contracts and strategy
Four construction contracts were awarded to suppliers from Karmøy, Suldal, Voss and Grenland, totalling NOK 250 million. Statkraft split work to enable participation from national, regional and local contractors and cited strong competition in the construction market. The project is part of Statkraft’s wider plan to invest NOK 70 billion in Norwegian hydropower over the next ten years.
Source: Statkraft
