Fortum is undertaking a modernization project for the Untra hydropower plant, located in Tierp municipality, Sweden, which has been operational for over a century. The project involves replacing three of the plant’s five generators, increasing its output from 42 to 48MW and boosting expected annual production from 270 to 300GWh. AFRY is providing expertise in electrical and control systems to support the modernization efforts, aimed at securing another century of fossil-free electricity production.
The Land and Environment Court approved Fortum’s modification permit in 2021, allowing the necessary renovations to proceed. The project will replace three generators with new, more efficient units, enhancing the plant’s capacity by 6MW while maintaining the same water usage. The increase in production is equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of about 18,000 electrically heated homes.
AFRY has been contracted to deliver electrical and control systems for the new units G1, G2, and G3. This includes installing new relay protection, excitation equipment, and adapting both new and existing equipment to integrate with the updated control systems.
“We are very proud to contribute our expertise in electricity and control equipment to the project. This type of large-scale power increase of existing power plants is important to increase electricity production in Sweden and not least for residents and industries in the area,” said Miriam Mesquine, BU Manager Hydro Sweden at AFRY.
The modernization at Untra hydropower plant will replace the current horizontal shaft and generator setup with vertically designed equipment. The new design features improved efficiency through modern waterways and technology, ensuring the continued supply of renewable, carbon-free electricity for another century.
Additionally, a new machine room with a glass superstructure will be built, connecting the existing intake house and the old machine room. The updated units will include modern control systems, enhancing operational efficiency and maintenance.
The project is ongoing, with the final commissioning scheduled for the end of 2030.
