It was a great day for many Stårheim residents when Stårheim power plant was declared officially opened on Wednesday.
− It is a great day. We have achieved something together. We have brought in skilled people who have built it up, we have solved all the problems, says Ole Martin Rafshol.
He was one of the landowners who was present at Stårheim power plant on Wednesday afternoon. On this day, the official opening of the power plant in Stårheimsdalen was taking place.
Present were well over 50 people, both landowners at Stårheim who had dressed up for the occasion, suppliers and contractors.
Ole Martin Rafshol has been the contact person for the landowners. When the power plant opened, he brought his camera to capture the historic event. Photo: Olin Maria Yri
Rafshol has been the contact person for the approximately 29 landowners at Stårheim who have waterfall rights connected to the Stårheim river – and a total of 39 rights holders.
He himself has been very involved in the process with the power plant for many years – ever since around 2012 when he took over from Ottar Starheim who passed away.
− Do you feel a bit of pride today?
− Yes. It is a relief to put it behind me. Going around the village to get 39 signatures all the time, difficult issues that make it understandable that people want to think it over. It has worked out. I hear them clapping and not booing, says a very satisfied Rafshol.
Historic
Many years have passed since Ottar Starheim launched the idea of a power plant at Stårheim in 2007 and until it now stands ready. For several of the landowners in the village, this Wednesday was quite simply a historic day.
− It is historic, it certainly is. It was back in 2007 that my cousin Ottar Starheim had the idea. He and Dag should have been here today. Ottar was the driving force and the reason we are standing here today, says Anne-Britt Starheim, who is among those who live closest to the power plant.
Despite the idea coming in 2007, it took many years before the whole thing would be realized.
The physical work on the power plant started in autumn 2024, in spring it was put into operation and on Wednesday it was ready for the official opening.
During the last few years, many have been involved in the work on Stårheim power plant.
The developer is Tinfos Entreprenør with project manager Mats Odden, construction manager is Truls Oppedal from Sunnfjord entreprenør AS, Olav Hjelmeset AS is the main contractor, the Førde company HBV Betong has had the concrete and carpentry work and HM Energi has delivered the electromechanical equipment.
Several of these were present during the opening. Among others, Tinfos brought eight people to Stårheimsdalen.
− We are very satisfied with the result. There are many good collaboration partners on the project, says Mats Odden, project manager, who adds that operations since March have gone as they expected.
− It has gone very well since March. Operations have gone as expected.
− It has gone very well since March. Operations have gone as expected, says Mats Odden. Photo: Olin Maria Yri
Got to open
Mayor of Stad Judith Kvåle was also present in an official capacity.
− It is a great day. It is very nice when you see that an entire village community has come together and created something that provides growth and jobs. It is a great day for the whole village, says Mayor Kvåle, who thought it was especially special to be part of the opening at Stårheim.
− I have been looking forward to this for quite some time. I think this is very special, getting to have an official assignment at Stårheim, says Kvåle.
