Plant Detail – Vestland

Bakkefossen – Hydropower Plant Detail

Bakkefossen is a hydropower plant operated in Sunnfjord municipality, Vestland county. Commissioned in 1993, it draws water from the Gaularvassdraget watershed and feeds into the NO3 price zone.

Bakkefossen Overview

Bakkefossen is a hydropower plant (Kraftverk) located in Sunnfjord municipality within Vestland county, Norway [1][2][3]. The facility has been operational since 31 December 1993 [4] and is registered with the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) under plant ID 941 [1].

The plant operates within the NO3 electricity price zone, which covers much of Western Norway and is a key market segment for hydropower generation [5]. Its water supply originates from the Einzugsgebiet Gaularvassdraget watershed system, which provides the hydrological foundation for power generation [6].

Ownership & Concession

The primary concession holder for Bakkefossen is NILS ANDERS GJERLAND [7]. This individual or entity holds the operational rights and responsibilities for the facility under Norwegian water law and NVE regulations.

The concession status with NVE is currently unrecorded in our dataset [8], meaning detailed concession terms and renewal schedules are nicht öffentlich publiziert or require direct inquiry with NVE.

Hydrological Context

Bakkefossen draws its water supply from the Gaularvassdraget watershed [6]. This river system is a critical hydrological unit in the region, and understanding its seasonal flow patterns, precipitation characteristics, and catchment area is essential for assessing long-term generation potential. For detailed hydrological data and comparative analysis of the Gaularvassdraget system, see the Einzugsgebiet Gaularvassdraget page.

Regional Location & Infrastructure

County: Vestland [2] Municipality: Sunnfjord [3] Electricity Price Zone: NO3 [5]

The plant's proximity to regional infrastructure is relevant for grid connection and operational logistics. The nearest Statnett transformer station is MYKLEBUST TS, located approximately 10.88 km away [9]. The voltage rating of this connection is nicht öffentlich publiziert. The nearest major industrial area is Høyanger (Hydro), approximately 28 km distant [10].

Data Center Suitability Assessment

Bakkefossen has been assigned a HydroSec Data Center Suitability Grade: A [11]. This qualitative rating reflects the plant's potential utility for powering data center operations, based on factors such as location, grid connectivity, and operational characteristics. However, the exact megawatt capacity and detailed sub-scores are available only to registered users.

What This Grade Means: A Grade A rating indicates strong suitability for data center applications, though the specific technical parameters—including maximum output, average production, and gross head—are restricted to authenticated access on the HydroSec platform.

What You'll Unlock After Registration

The following detailed information is available exclusively to registered users:

  • Technical Specifications: Maximum capacity (MW), average annual production, gross head (m), and turbine configuration
  • Hydrological Deep-Dive: Monthly flow patterns, precipitation data, and multi-year production trends
  • Grid & Infrastructure Details: Precise voltage ratings, grid stability metrics, and distance calculations to key substations
  • Financial & Operational Metrics: Historical performance data, maintenance schedules, and asset condition assessments
  • Comparative Analysis: Benchmarking against similar plants in Vestland and the NO3 zone

Related Plant Types & Resources

Explore other Kraftverk-Anlagen in Norway, or view the Karte aller Wasserkraftwerke to discover additional facilities in the region.

Risks & Limitations

Data Completeness: Some technical and regulatory details—including concession renewal dates, exact grid voltage, and megawatt capacity—are nicht öffentlich publiziert or restricted. This page reflects publicly available information as of the latest NVE registry update.

Hydrological Variability: Hydropower generation is inherently dependent on precipitation and water availability. Historical production does not guarantee future output. Climate variability and upstream water management decisions can significantly affect generation.

Regulatory & Concession Risk: Changes to Norwegian water law, NVE concession terms, or environmental regulations may impact operational permissions and profitability. Investors should verify current concession status directly with NVE.

Grid & Market Risk: Electricity prices in the NO3 zone fluctuate based on supply, demand, and interconnection flows. Grid congestion or transmission constraints may affect revenue realization.

No Guarantee of Returns: This page provides factual plant data only. It does not constitute investment advice, financial forecasting, or a guarantee of any return. Conduct independent due diligence and consult qualified advisors before making investment decisions.

Frequently asked questions

When was Bakkefossen commissioned?

Bakkefossen was commissioned on 31 December 1993 [4]. It has been operational for over three decades.

Who owns and operates Bakkefossen?

The primary concession holder is NILS ANDERS GJERLAND [7]. For more information about this owner, visit the NILS ANDERS GJERLAND profile page.

Which watershed supplies water to Bakkefossen?

Bakkefossen draws water from the Gaularvassdraget watershed [6]. Detailed hydrological information is available on the Einzugsgebiet Gaularvassdraget page.

What is the NVE plant ID for Bakkefossen?

The NVE plant ID is 941 [1]. This identifier is used in official Norwegian energy registry systems.

Which electricity price zone does Bakkefossen operate in?

Bakkefossen operates in the NO3 price zone [5], which covers much of Western Norway and is a key market for hydropower trading.

What is the data center suitability grade for Bakkefossen?

Bakkefossen has been assigned a Grade A for data center suitability [11]. Detailed technical specifications and sub-scores are available to registered users.

How far is Bakkefossen from the nearest grid connection?

The nearest Statnett transformer station is MYKLEBUST TS, approximately 10.88 km away [9]. Exact voltage specifications are restricted to registered users.

What information is available only after registration?

Registered users gain access to technical specifications (MW capacity, average production), detailed hydrological data, grid infrastructure details, and comparative benchmarking. This protects proprietary asset data while allowing qualified investors to conduct thorough due diligence.

Sources

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