Built in the 1960s by Hydro Energi AS, a subsidiary of Norsk Hydro, the 340 MW hydropower plant in Suldal, Norway, was in a need of an upgrade. VEO’s mission was to renew the main distribution systems.   

“To Suldal, we delivered VEO’s own production VEDA low-voltage switchgear, with which we were able to improve the safety of both personnel working in the plant and production security,” says Ville Vieri, Sales Manager for VEO Sweden and Norway. 

Close attention had to be paid to the project planning to ensure that all the upgrades will be carried out with as minimal an impact on production as possible.  

“We will transfer the loads from the previous switchgear units step by step to a relocated new system consisting of two separate low-voltage units. The changeover will be carried out with special arrangements to cause as few production breaks as possible. Although the biggest work needs to be done on-site, of course, we strive to be as efficient as possible. This requires accurate advance planning of the commissioning phase,” Vieri clarifies.  

Delivery and energisation of the new systems in Suldal will be carried out by the end of the year 2022.  

Photo: Hydro’s Nesflaten building in Røldal-Suldal. Credit: Hydro/Anders Vindegg

”Through our delivery, we were able to improve the safety of both personnel working in the plant and production security.”