An overview of the Glomfjord Hydroelectric Power Station in Norway

The Glomfjord Hydroelectric Power Station is a historic and iconic landmark in Norway. Located in the village of Glomfjord in the municipality of Meløy in Nordland county, it was built in 1920 and played a crucial role in powering Norway’s early industrialization. 

The power station harnesses the energy of the Glomfjordelva river, which flows from the Nedre Navervatn lake located about 465 meters above sea level.

History and Design:

The power station was designed by the renowned architect Olaf Nordhagen and is considered a prime example of industrial architecture. The monumental building, constructed with red brick and granite, features a distinctive Art Deco style with large arched windows and a towering smokestack. Originally, the power station housed six generating units with vertical Pelton turbines, each capable of producing 20 MW of power at 25 Hz. However, due to reduced water flow over time, only one of these units remains operational today.

Operation and Significance:

Despite its reduced capacity, the Glomfjord power station continues to play a vital role in Norway’s energy grid, contributing around 91.5 GWh of clean hydroelectric power annually. It is owned and operated by Statkraft, a leading Norwegian energy company. The station’s historical significance and architectural beauty have made it a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world.

Additional points of interest:

• The Glomfjord power station was the target of a daring commando raid by British forces during World War II, known as Operation Musketoon.
• The surrounding area is famous for its stunning natural beauty, featuring fjords, mountains, and glaciers.
• The power station is easily accessible by car or ferry and is within walking distance of the village of Glomfjord.

Glomfjord Hydroelectric Power Station: A Profile

Location: Glomfjord village, Meløy municipality, Nordland county, Norway

Coordinates: 67°44′32″N 14°00′32″E

Type: Run-of-the-river hydroelectric power station

Construction: 1917-1920

Owner and Operator: Statkraft AS

Historical Capacity: 120 MW (6 x 20 MW Pelton turbines)

Current Capacity: 19 MW (1 x 19 MW Kaplan turbine)

Annual Production: 91.5 GWh

Significance:

• Played a crucial role in Norway’s early industrialization
• One of the first major hydroelectric power stations in Europe
• Architectural landmark with distinctive Art Deco style
• Target of Operation Musketoon, a British commando raid in WWII
• Popular tourist destination

Technical Specifications:

• Dam: Gravity dam, 61 m high, 174 m long
• Reservoir: Nedre Navervatn lake, 465 m elevation
• Headwaters: Svartisen glacier
• Tailrace: Glomfjordelva river, flowing into the Glomfjord

Interesting Facts:

• Originally operated at 25 Hz, later converted to 50 Hz
• Only one of the original Pelton turbines remains operational
• The station features a museum showcasing its history and technology
• The surrounding area offers stunning natural beauty with fjords, mountains, and glaciers

Glomfjord Hydroelectric Power Station Data Table

Feature	Description
Location	Glomfjord village, Meløy municipality, Nordland county, Norway
Coordinates	67°44′32″N 14°00′32″E
Type	Run-of-the-river hydroelectric power station
Construction	1917-1920
Owner and Operator	Statkraft AS
Historical Capacity	120 MW (6 x 20 MW Pelton turbines)
Current Capacity	19 MW (1 x 19 MW Kaplan turbine)
Annual Production	91.5 GWh
Significance
	* Played a crucial role in Norway’s early industrialization
	* One of the first major hydroelectric power stations in Europe
	* Architectural landmark with distinctive Art Deco style
	* Target of Operation Musketoon, a British commando raid in WWII
	* Popular tourist destination
Technical Specifications
	* Dam: Gravity dam, 61 m high, 174 m long
	* Reservoir: Nedre Navervatn lake, 465 m elevation
	* Headwaters: Svartisen glacier
	* Tailrace: Glomfjordelva river, flowing into the Glomfjord
Interesting Facts
	* Originally operated at 25 Hz, later converted to 50 Hz
	* Only one of the original Pelton turbines remains operational
	* The station features a museum showcasing its history and technology
	* The surrounding area offers stunning natural beauty with fjords, mountains, and glaciers

Statistics of Glomfjord Hydroelectric Power Station

Glomfjord Hydroelectric Power Station: A Statistical Portrait

Location: Glomfjord village, Meløy municipality, Nordland county, Norway

Type: Run-of-the-river hydroelectric power station

Construction: 1917-1920

Owner and Operator: Statkraft AS

Key Statistics:

• Historical Capacity: 120 MW (6 x 20 MW Pelton turbines)
• Current Capacity: 19 MW (1 x 19 MW Kaplan turbine)
• Annual Production: 91.5 GWh
• Dam: Gravity dam, 61 m high, 174 m long
• Reservoir: Nedre Navervatn lake, 465 m elevation
• Headwaters: Svartisen glacier
• Tailrace: Glomfjordelva river, flowing into the Glomfjord

Historical Significance:

• Played a crucial role in Norway’s early industrialization, providing clean power for industries like aluminum smelting and mining.
• One of the first major hydroelectric power stations in Europe, pioneering the technology for large-scale renewable energy generation.
• Architectural landmark with a distinctive Art Deco style, attracting tourists and photographers.
• Target of Operation Musketoon, a daring British commando raid during World War II aimed at disrupting German production of heavy water used in their nuclear program.

Modern Role:

• While its capacity has decreased, Glomfjord remains a valuable contributor to Norway’s energy grid, providing clean and reliable hydropower.
• Serves as a historical and cultural icon, representing Norway’s commitment to renewable energy and industrial innovation.
• The station houses a museum that showcases its history, technology, and impact on the local community.

Additional Statistical Tidbits:

• Originally operated at 25 Hz, later converted to the standard 50 Hz frequency.
• Only one of the original Pelton turbines remains operational, now replaced by a more efficient Kaplan turbine.
• The station generates enough electricity to power approximately 18,000 Norwegian homes annually.

Glomfjord Hydroelectric Power Station: Statistical Table

Feature	Description
Location	Glomfjord village, Meløy municipality, Nordland county, Norway
Type	Run-of-the-river hydroelectric power station
Construction	1917-1920
Owner and Operator	Statkraft AS
Historical Capacity	120 MW (6 x 20 MW Pelton turbines)
Current Capacity	19 MW (1 x 19 MW Kaplan turbine)
Annual Production	91.5 GWh
Dam	Gravity dam, 61 m high, 174 m long
Reservoir	Nedre Navervatn lake, 465 m elevation
Headwaters	Svartisen glacier
Tailrace	Glomfjordelva river, flowing into the Glomfjord

Interesting Facts:

• Originally operated at 25 Hz, later converted to 50 Hz 
• Only one of the original Pelton turbines remains operational 
• The station features a museum showcasing its history and technology 
• The surrounding area offers stunning natural beauty with fjords, mountains, and glaciers 

Tourism and Recreation:

• Popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its power station, natural beauty, and historical significance |
• Hiking, fishing, and kayaking are popular activities in the area |

Environmental Impact:

• Considered a clean and sustainable energy source, with minimal greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels.
• The dam and reservoir have altered the flow and ecology of the Glomfjordelva river, requiring careful management to balance energy production with environmental protection.

Looking ahead:

• The future of Glomfjord Hydroelectric Power Station is uncertain, as modern technology and changing energy needs may impact its long-term viability.
• However, its historical significance, architectural beauty, and contribution to Norway’s renewable energy goals ensure its lasting place in the country’s energy landscape.