Overview
The Lomi Hydroelectric Power Station is an operational hydroelectric facility located in Fauske Municipality, within Nordland county, Norway. Owned and operated by Salten Kraftsamband, the plant has been in service since its commissioning in 1979. It functions as a key component of the regional energy infrastructure, utilizing water resources from the Sulitjelma drainage system to generate electricity for the local grid.
The station operates with an installed capacity of 120 MW, driven by two Francis turbines. Its average annual production is approximately 362 GWh, contributing significantly to the energy output of the Salten Kraftsamband network. The plant draws water from a total catchment area of 145 square kilometers. A notable aspect of its water supply is the contribution from runoff from the Sulitjelma Glacier, which feeds into the intake reservoir on Lomivatnet. The reservoir level is regulated between 708 m and 649 m above sea level.
Water for the Lomi station is primarily supplied by Storelvvatnan, a lake regulated between 798 m and 792 m above sea level, along with additional stream intakes. The hydroelectric process utilizes a significant vertical drop of 580 meters between the intake reservoir and the power house. After passing through the turbines at Lomi, the water is not immediately discharged but is reused by the Sjønstå Hydroelectric Power Station, which is located further downstream in the same drainage system. This cascading utilization of water resources enhances the overall efficiency of the hydroelectric chain in the region.
Hydrological Infrastructure and Water Sources
The Lomi Hydroelectric Power Station relies on a specific hydrological configuration designed to maximize energy extraction from the Sulitjelma drainage system in Nordland county, Norway. The facility utilizes a significant hydraulic head of 580 meters (1,900 ft) to drive its two Francis turbines. This drop is achieved by regulating water levels between the primary intake reservoir and the downstream discharge point. The system is fed by a combination of lake storage and glacial runoff, ensuring a consistent water supply for power generation.
Reservoir Management and Water Sources
The primary intake reservoir for the plant is Lomivatnet. This reservoir is actively regulated to maintain optimal pressure and flow for the turbines. The water level in Lomivatnet is managed within a range of 708 meters (2,323 ft) and 649 meters (2,129 ft) above sea level. This regulation allows for flexible operation depending on seasonal inflow and downstream demand. The total catchment area feeding into the system is 145 square kilometers (56 sq mi), providing a substantial volume of water for the hydroelectric cycle.
Water for Lomivatnet is primarily supplied by Storelvvatnan, an upstream lake. Storelvvatnan is also regulated, with its water level maintained between 798 meters (2,618 ft) and 792 meters (2,598 ft). In addition to the lake supply, the system incorporates water from various stream intakes. A notable component of the water supply is the runoff from the Sulitjelma Glacier. This glacial contribution provides a steady flow, particularly during warmer months, enhancing the reliability of the plant's annual production of approximately 362 GWh.
| Hydrological Feature | Parameter | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Lomivatnet (Intake Reservoir) | Regulated Level Range | 708 m – 649 m (2,323 ft – 2,129 ft) |
| Storelvvatnan (Supply Lake) | Regulated Level Range | 798 m – 792 m (2,618 ft – 2,598 ft) |
| Total System | Catchment Area | 145 km² (56 sq mi) |
| Hydraulic Head | Drop | 580 m (1,900 ft) |
The water discharged from Lomi is not immediately lost to the sea but is reused by the Sjønstå Hydroelectric Power Station further downstream. This cascading arrangement within the Sulitjelma drainage system maximizes the energy yield from the same volume of water, a common practice in Norwegian hydroelectric infrastructure. The integration of glacial runoff from the Sulitjelma Glacier with regulated lake storage provides a robust hydrological foundation for the plant's operational status.
Technical Specifications and Turbines
The Lomi Hydroelectric Power Station utilizes a significant hydraulic head to generate electricity, leveraging a vertical drop of 580 meters (1,900 ft) between its intake reservoir and the turbine hall. This substantial elevation difference is a key factor in the plant's efficiency and power output. The primary water source is the Lomivatnet reservoir, which is regulated to maintain a water level between 708 meters (2,323 ft) and 649 meters (2,129 ft).
The Lomivatnet reservoir is primarily supplied by water from Storelvvatnan, a lake that is itself regulated between 798 meters (2,618 ft) and 792 meters (2,598 ft). In addition to this main supply, the reservoir receives water from various stream intakes. A notable component of the water supply is runoff from the Sulitjelma Glacier, which contributes to the total catchment area of 145 square kilometers (56 sq mi). This glacial input provides a relatively stable flow during warmer months, enhancing the consistency of the plant's generation.
Turbine Configuration and Capacity
The power station is equipped with two Francis turbines, a type of reaction turbine well-suited for medium-head applications like Lomi. These turbines convert the potential energy of the elevated water into mechanical energy, which is then transformed into electrical energy. The installed capacity of the plant is 120 MW, distributed across the two turbine units. This capacity enables the station to produce an average annual output of approximately 362 GWh, making it a significant contributor to the regional power grid.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Turbine Type | Francis |
| Number of Turbines | 2 |
| Installed Capacity | 120 MW |
| Hydraulic Head | 580 m (1,900 ft) |
| Average Annual Production | 362 GWh |
| Catchment Area | 145 km² (56 sq mi) |
| Intake Reservoir Level | 708 m – 649 m (2,323 ft – 2,129 ft) |
| Supply Lake Level (Storelvvatnan) | 798 m – 792 m (2,618 ft – 2,598 ft) |
This cascading arrangement optimizes the energy extraction from the water flow, enhancing the overall efficiency of the local hydroelectric network. The operational status of the Lomi station remains active, continuing to serve as a reliable source of renewable energy in Nordland county.
How does the Lomi Power Station integrate with the Sulitjelma system?
The Lomi Hydroelectric Power Station functions as an integral component of the broader Sulitjelma drainage system in Nordland county, Norway, rather than operating as an isolated energy asset. Its operational design is deeply embedded in the hydrological and topographical characteristics of the region, leveraging a significant elevation drop of 580 meters (1,900 ft) to generate electricity. This vertical advantage is critical to the plant's efficiency and its role within the cascading network of hydroelectric facilities managed by Salten Kraftsamband. The integration of Lomi into this system is defined by its strategic positioning between upstream water sources and downstream power generation units, facilitating a continuous flow of energy production across the catchment area.
Water management at Lomi is complex and relies on multiple inflow sources to maintain consistent turbine operation. The primary intake reservoir, Lomivatnet, is regulated to fluctuate between 708 m (2,323 ft) and 649 m (2,129 ft) above sea level. This reservoir is fed by water from Storelvvatnan, another regulated lake situated higher in the system at levels between 798 m (2,618 ft) and 792 m (2,598 ft). Additionally, the system incorporates various stream intakes and receives runoff from the Sulitjelma Glacier. This glacier runoff is a vital component of the catchment area, which spans 145 square kilometers (56 sq mi), ensuring a steady water supply even during seasonal variations. The combination of glacial melt, lake regulation, and stream inputs allows the two Francis turbines at Lomi to maintain an average annual production of about 362 GWh, contributing significantly to the regional grid's stability.
A defining feature of Lomi's integration within the Sulitjelma system is the downstream reuse of its outflow. After passing through the turbines at Lomi, the water is not immediately discharged into the sea but is instead directed to the Sjønstå Hydroelectric Power Station. This cascading arrangement maximizes the energy extraction potential of the water within the drainage system. By reusing the water at Sjønstå, Salten Kraftsamband effectively doubles the utility of the hydrological resource, enhancing the overall efficiency of the Sulitjelma drainage network. This interconnected approach is characteristic of modern hydroelectric planning in Norway, where multiple stations are linked to optimize capacity and output. The operational synergy between Lomi and Sjønstå demonstrates how strategic placement and water management can extend the lifecycle and productivity of hydroelectric infrastructure in a shared drainage basin.
History and Commissioning
The Lomi Hydroelectric Power Station represents a key component of the Sulitjelma drainage system's energy infrastructure in Nordland county, Norway. Owned by Salten Kraftsamband, the facility was commissioned in 1979, marking the integration of a significant hydroelectric resource into the regional grid. The plant's development leveraged the natural topography of Fauske Municipality, specifically utilizing a substantial vertical drop of 580 meters between its intake reservoir and the turbine hall. This elevation difference is critical to the plant's efficiency, allowing for the conversion of potential energy from water stored at high altitudes into electrical power.
The water supply for the Lomi station is derived from a carefully regulated hydrological network. The primary intake reservoir, Lomivatnet, is maintained at a regulated level ranging between 708 meters and 649 meters above sea level. Additionally, the system incorporates runoff from the Sulitjelma Glacier and various stream intakes, ensuring a consistent water flow even during seasonal variations. The total catchment area for the plant spans 145 square kilometers, providing a broad collection zone for precipitation and glacial melt.
Upon its commissioning in 1979, the station began operating with two Francis turbines, achieving an installed capacity of 120 MW. The operational model of the Lomi station is integrated with downstream infrastructure; the water utilized by Lomi is subsequently reused by the Sjønstå Hydroelectric Power Station, optimizing the energy yield from the Sulitjelma drainage system. This cascading approach maximizes the utility of the water resource, reducing waste and enhancing the overall efficiency of the hydroelectric chain in the region.
Why it matters
Located in Fauske Municipality, the facility leverages a significant vertical drop of 580 meters (1,900 ft) to generate power, a topographical advantage that allows for substantial energy output from a relatively modest water volume compared to low-head run-of-river schemes. This high-head configuration is central to the station’s operational profile, enabling Salten Kraftsamband to maintain an installed capacity of 120 MW while achieving an average annual production of approximately 362 GWh.
Glacier-Fed Reliability and Catchment Dynamics
A defining characteristic of the Lomi station is its hydrological reliability, derived from its diverse water sources. The intake reservoir, Lomivatnet, is regulated between elevations of 708 m (2,323 ft) and 649 m (2,129 ft), ensuring consistent pressure head for the turbines. The reservoir receives inflow from Storelvvatnan, a lake regulated between 798 m (2,618 ft) and 792 m (2,598 ft), as well as direct stream intakes. Crucially, part of the water supply originates from runoff from the Sulitjelma Glacier. This glacial contribution provides a stabilizing effect on water availability, particularly during seasonal variations, enhancing the predictability of generation output within the regional grid.
The station serves a total catchment area of 145 square kilometers (56 sq mi), integrating natural runoff and regulated lake levels to optimize turbine performance. The use of two Francis turbines allows for efficient energy conversion across the 580-meter head, a technology choice well-suited to the specific hydraulic conditions of the Sulitjelma system. This design reflects broader Norwegian engineering principles that prioritize maximizing energy yield from complex alpine and glacial hydrology.
Integration into the Sulitjelma Drainage System
The Lomi station does not operate in isolation but functions as a key intermediate step in a cascading hydroelectric network. This sequential utilization of water resources maximizes the energy extracted from the Sulitjelma drainage basin, reducing overall water loss and enhancing the economic efficiency of the Salten Kraftsamband portfolio. The operational synergy between Lomi and Sjønstå illustrates the strategic planning inherent in Norway’s hydroelectric infrastructure, where multiple stations are coordinated to balance load and storage across the grid.
Commissioned in 1979, the Lomi station has contributed to the stability of the regional power supply for decades, leveraging its high-head advantage and glacial-fed reliability to maintain consistent output. Its continued operation underscores the enduring value of well-integrated hydroelectric assets in Norway’s energy mix, particularly in regions where topographical and hydrological conditions allow for efficient, high-capacity generation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the installed capacity of the Lomi Hydroelectric Power Station?
The Lomi Hydroelectric Power Station has an installed capacity of 120 MW. This capacity is generated by two Francis turbines that utilize the significant hydraulic head available at the site. The plant is currently operational and contributes to the regional energy grid in Nordland county, Norway.
Where is the Lomi Hydroelectric Power Station located?
The facility is situated in Fauske Municipality, within Nordland county, Norway. It is part of the Sulitjelma drainage system, positioned upstream of the Sjønstå Hydroelectric Power Station, which reuses the water after it passes through Lomi. The plant's location allows it to leverage the natural topography of the region for efficient energy generation.
What are the primary water sources for the Lomi plant?
The Lomi Hydroelectric Power Station draws water primarily from the Lomivatnet reservoir, which serves as the intake reservoir. This reservoir is regulated between elevations of 708 m and 649 m. The water supply is fed by the Storelvvatnan lake, which is regulated between 798 m and 792 m, as well as additional stream intakes. Notably, a portion of the water supply consists of runoff from the Sulitjelma Glacier, highlighting the influence of glacial melt on the plant's hydrology.
How much electricity does the plant produce annually?
The Lomi Hydroelectric Power Station produces an average annual output of approximately 362 GWh. This production level is supported by a total catchment area of 145 square kilometers, which ensures a consistent water supply to drive the two Francis turbines. The plant's operation is integral to the local energy infrastructure, with its water subsequently utilized by downstream facilities in the Sulitjelma system.
Summary
It features an installed capacity of 120 MW and generates an average annual production of about 362 GWh.
The plant's water supply is sourced from the Lomivatnet intake reservoir, which is regulated at levels between 708 m (2,323 ft) and 649 m (2,129 ft). This reservoir receives water primarily from the Storelvvatnan lake, which is maintained at a regulated level between 798 m (2,618 ft) and 792 m (2,598 ft). Additional water inputs come from various stream intakes and runoff from the Sulitjelma Glacier. The total catchment area feeding the Lomi station covers 145 square kilometers (56 sq mi). The facility is equipped with two Francis turbines to convert the hydraulic energy into electricity.
Within the broader Sulitjelma drainage system, the Lomi station plays a key role in the sequential utilization of water resources. This cascading arrangement maximizes the energy extraction from the regional water flow. The Lomi station remains a significant component of the Salten Kraftsamband network, contributing to the regional power supply with its consistent annual output.
See also
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- Statkraft AS: Business Model, Portfolio and Market Position
- Laxede Power Plant: Engineering and Operations
- Mauranger Power Station: Hydroelectric Infrastructure in Vestland
- Hywind Tampen: Floating offshore wind for oil and gas