Voith has secured a contract from Statkraft Energi AS to modernize the Sima hydropower plant in Norway, strengthening the long-term reliability of one of the country’s key renewable energy facilities.
Commissioned in 1980, Sima is Norway’s second-largest hydropower plant, with an installed capacity of 1,120 MW and an annual renewable energy generation of approximately 3,100 GWh. The modernization project aims to extend the plant’s operational lifespan, improve availability and reduce the risk of equipment failures and unplanned shutdowns.
A key objective of the project is to complete the modernization while keeping the plant operational. Voith will adopt a phased implementation strategy, integrating new components into the existing infrastructure and progressively replacing the plant’s control and electrical systems. This approach is designed to minimize operational disruptions, maintain power generation and ensure a smooth transition to the upgraded systems.
Under the contract, Voith will assume full-scope responsibility for modernizing the existing control system and supplying electrical and balance-of-plant equipment. The scope includes new automation systems, electrical protection systems, AC/DC systems, medium-voltage components and associated cabling. The project will also incorporate software developed and maintained by Voith’s in-house specialists, supporting integrated system performance and long-term operational reliability.
Statkraft, Norway’s and Europe’s largest renewable energy producer, relies heavily on hydropower, with its hydropower plants generating approximately one-third of Norway’s electricity. The company continues to invest in upgrading its hydropower infrastructure to strengthen the reliability and efficiency of renewable energy production.
Voith has maintained a partnership with Statkraft for more than 20 years. According to Oeyvind Holm, Head of Sales Norway at Voith Hydro, the long-standing collaboration provides valuable insight into Statkraft’s requirements and the technical complexities of the Sima modernization project. He emphasized that Voith’s comprehensive project responsibility will help streamline processes, reduce risks and support reliable hydropower generation over the long term.
Kristin Lindvik, Power Plant Manager at Statkraft, highlighted the importance of extending the plant’s service life sustainably and efficiently. She noted that the modernization must be carried out safely and with minimal disruption to electricity production, ensuring that the Sima hydropower plant continues to contribute to Norway’s renewable energy infrastructure for years to come.
