For the first time in twelve years, Vattenfall plans to build new hydro power facilities in four Swedish locations that are already home to hydro power plants. In total, the project will provide 720 MW of new capacity, assuming a decision to invest is made.
The new capacity could be built starting in 2026 and continuing into the 2030s. Pre studies are now being conducted to prepare for an upcoming investment decision.
At the Harsprånget power station on the Lule älv river, the plan is to renew and reinstate a unit that is currently out of operation. Its potential is 110 MW. The decision to invest is planned for 2024, with commercial operation in 2026.
At the Porjus power station on the Lule älv river in Norrbotten, there are plans to increase water flow and generation. The potential is 80 MW. The decision to invest is planned for 2026 and commercial operation before 2031.
A pilot study is underway to investigate reinstating and upgrading the Juktan power station on the Storjuktan lake, which is adjacent to the Umeälven river in Västerbotten, to a pumped storage plant with a potential of 380 MW. The decision to invest is planned for 2027 and commercial operation would start in 2031. Juktan was once Sweden’s largest pumped storage plant and was operational from 1979 to 1996.
At the Messaure power station on the Lule älv river, there are plans for a fourth unit, with a potential capacity of 150 MW. The decision to invest is planned for 2028, with commercial operation in 2032.
Aside from adding energy to the system, hydro power also will play a substantial role in balancing the electrical system as weather-dependent wind power is being expanded. Sweden already has about 16 000 MW of hydro power. Of this, Vattenfall operates approximately 8500 MW
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