Vanndøla power plant

Vanndalen is one of the side valleys that was affected by the development of Jostedal power plant. In this context, a construction road was built up to a crossroads at the supply tunnel at about 1000 m above sea level, and a stream intake leads from the upper catchment area of the Vanndalen valley. This major project leaves a residual flow, which is a resource belonging to the landowners in the area.
Through an agreement with Småkraft AS (later transferred to Luster Småkraft AS) in 2004, the landowners made their waterfall rights available for the development of a small-scale power project. Luster Småkraft AS assumed the risk, the work with the licensing process and the development itself. In May 2008, the power plant was put into operation, providing new renewable energy and local business revenues.
The power plant project in Vanndøla created a great deal of local activity during the construction period and provided business income for the landowners and the local community. Operation and maintenance will also be carried out by the landowners and local companies.

The Vanndøla power plant, like other completed power plants under the auspices of Småkraft, has received positive feedback for its architecture and good adaptation to the terrain.

Construction work presented several challenges and learning experiences, particularly the steep penstock route. The intake is located in a natural pool and blends nicely into the terrain. The upper part of the penstock route leads through easy terrain, but the middle section has an inclination of 27 degrees. The contractor faced challenges with access along the penstock. At elevation 325, the penstock crosses the river via a pipe bridge. Skilled local contractors solved the task effectively despite a combination of heavy snowfall and difficult terrain.