Current status of energy storage projects in Norway

Will Norsk Hydro build a 84 GWh pumped storage project?

(Photo: Narrativ/Hydro) Norsk Hydro, a Norwegian aluminum and renewable energy company, is planning a 84 GWh pumped storage project in Luster Municipality, Norway. The Illvatn project, with an estimated price tag of NOK1.2 billion (US$113 million), is expected to begin construction in 2025, targeting 2028 or 2029 for full operation.

Is Norsk Hydro planning a new pumped storage power plant?

In April 2020, the Norwegian Ministry of Energy granted Norsk Hydro a concession to develop the Illvatn pumped storage power plant. An application for a plan change is being processed by the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE).

What projects are under development in Norway?

Another project under development in Norway is a new power plant at Torolmen, in the Årdal municipality, with an estimated annual production of around 30 GWh. The total investment for this project could reach NOK290 million (US$27.4 million), with potential construction starting as early as 2027.

How much storage does the Northern Lights CCS project have?

The Northern Lights CCS project off the coast of Norway has enough storage for the equivalent of 750,000 car emissions every year in the first phase. Equinor’s Smeaheia storage site, located to the south of Northern Lights, has the potential to increase storage capacity many times over.