The village of Foldvik has had its own power station since around 1925 as a “village power station”. The power station was upgraded as the power demand in the village increased. Because of this, Foldviksvatnet was also regulated by 6 meters from the mid-50s. Around 1990, the power plant was shut down, presumably due to poor profitability. The right of fall then reverted to Grunneierlaget.
In its overall assessment of this, the Ministry (OED) emphasizes that a development will lead to greater advantages than disadvantages. The municipality also agrees with this, stating that it will also improve the grid situation in the area, as well as growth related to commercial activities in the area.
Grovfjord Reindeer Herding District has reindeer herding in the area. Reindeer husbandry and the development must be combined in a good way, which means that the development will take place at times when the reindeer use other alternative areas.
The waterway to Øvre Foldvik will run entirely on the south side of the Foldvik river. The pipe length will be a total of approximately 1850 m, and will be buried along the entire stretch towards the power station. The minimum water flow at the power plant will be 100 l/s in the period May 1-September 30, but outside this it will be 50 l/s.
The Upper Power Station will be located on the south side of the Foldvik river, be approximately 80 m2 and equipped with a pelton turbine. The effluent will return to the Foldvik river and on to the intake for the Nedre Foldvik power plant. The power plant utilizes a drop of 228 meters, and has an output of 2100kW.
The intake in Nedre Foldvik collects water from Foldvikelva, Trollhågelva, Nonselva and Middagselva.
The waterway to Nedre Foldvik will also run in its entirety on the south side of the Foldvik river. The total length of the pipe will be approximately 2,200 meters, and it will be buried along the entire stretch towards the power station. The minimum water flow at the power plant will be 150 l/s in the period May 1-September 30, but outside this it will be 75 l/s.
Foldvikvatnet will have a new regulation dam, according to the current standard, and the regulation will be reduced to 5 meters. The road from the village to Foldvikvatnet, which is approx. 5.5 km, will be heavily upgraded in connection with the construction.
The power grid will also receive a major upgrade to accommodate the power. This will also provide opportunities for local businesses to expand.
