NCC and Fortum have also entered a framework agreement covering maintenance works on all of Fortum's plants in Sweden. Two agreements have been concluded, with a combined order value of approximately SEK270 million (US$23 million).
Hydroelectric power is a development area in Sweden since the capacity of the existing hydropower plants is in need of improvement. Many of the power plants also need renovating, after being in operation for a long time.
Forshuvud's current hydropower plant on the Dalälven River has been in operation since 1990, but hydropower has been generated in the area for a century. The plant will now be upgraded and be equipped with new floodgates, for which NCC will install hinges, among other works. The parties have also entered into a framework agreement valid through December 2022 for the repair and maintenance of all of Fortum's hydropower plants in Sweden. The projects will be conducted in partnering form with Fortum.
"We have been collaborating with Fortum on various projects for many years. Conducting this project in partnering form means that we can jointly increase the efficiency of the work and more rapidly find solutions in a complex operation. Through these safety-enhancing measures, Fortum will secure the operation of the Forshuvud hydropower plant for a long time to come," said Kenneth Nilsson, business area manager, NCC Infrastructure.
The power plant's dam is equipped with four floodgates, each with a size of approximately 8 x 17m and weighing about 100t and these have to be replaced. As part of the assignment, NCC will construct cofferdams to exclude the water from around the floodgates in conjunction with the renovation.
"Investments of this type are of decisive importance to the ability of hydropower to continue to be a cornerstone in Swedish fossil-free electricity supply. We are delighted to collaborate with NCC in this project, which will deliver sustainable solutions for dam safety and ensure continued efficient operation," said Toni Kekkinen, vice president hydro at Fortum.
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