Sirdal, Agder

Finså Hydropower Plant

Finså is an active hydropower facility in the Sira watershed, operated by Å ENERGI VANNKRAFT AS. Located in Sirdal municipality, it feeds into the NO2 electricity price zone.

Finså at a Glance

Finså is a Kraftverk-type hydropower facility registered with the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) under ID 83 [1]. The plant has been in operation since 1962 [3], making it a long-established asset within Norway's hydropower infrastructure [3]. It is located in Sirdal municipality within Agder fylke [2][4], positioning it in a region with significant hydropower heritage.

The facility operates within the Sira watershed system [5], which forms the hydrological foundation for its water supply and operational characteristics. As a participant in the NO2 electricity price zone [6], Finså's output is priced according to Southern Norway's regional market dynamics.

Ownership and Operator

Finså is operated by Å ENERGI VANNKRAFT AS [7], the primary concession holder. This operator holds the legal rights and operational responsibility for the facility under Norwegian hydropower regulations. The concession status with NVE is currently active [8], confirming ongoing legal authorization to generate and distribute power.

Hydrological Context

The plant draws water from the Sira watershed [5], one of Southern Norway's significant river systems. This hydrological system determines the plant's water availability, seasonal variation, and long-term production potential. The watershed's precipitation patterns and runoff characteristics directly influence operational performance throughout the year.

Regional and Infrastructure Setting

Municipality & County: Sirdal, Agder [2][4]

Price Zone: NO2 [6] — the Southern Norway electricity market region, which includes major industrial and commercial demand centers.

Grid Connection: The nearest Statnett transformer station is Tonstad kraftstasjon, approximately 1.48 km away, operating at 52 kV [9]. This proximity to grid infrastructure is a key factor in transmission efficiency and operational reliability.

Industrial Proximity: The Lista industrial area (home to major aluminum production) is located approximately 64 km away [10], representing a significant regional demand center for electricity.

Data Center Suitability Assessment

Finså receives a Grade A assessment for data center hosting potential [11], based on HydroSec's infrastructure evaluation framework. This rating reflects favorable conditions for colocation applications, with estimated maximum capacity of approximately 5 MW [11].

The Grade A classification indicates:

  • Strong grid proximity and transmission infrastructure
  • Stable operational history and regulatory status
  • Favorable power delivery characteristics for sensitive computing loads
  • Suitable cooling and site conditions for data center deployment

This assessment is qualitative and does not constitute a guarantee of specific performance metrics or suitability for particular use cases.

What Becomes Available After Login

Detailed operational and financial metrics are restricted to registered users. Upon authentication, you gain access to:

  • Precise installed capacity and production figures (MaksYtelse, MidProd)
  • Gross head and technical specifications (BruttoFallhoyde)
  • Detailed hydrological analysis and seasonal production patterns
  • Sub-scores for data center suitability across multiple infrastructure dimensions
  • Site infrastructure mapping and connectivity analysis
  • Historical production data and performance benchmarks
  • Ownership structure details and concession documentation

These data points are essential for institutional investment analysis, due diligence, and technical feasibility assessment.

Risks and Limitations

Regulatory and Concession Risk: While Finså's concession is currently active, hydropower facilities in Norway remain subject to periodic review, renewal conditions, and potential regulatory changes. Concession terms may be modified or conditions imposed by NVE.

Hydrological Variability: Production is inherently dependent on precipitation and runoff within the Sira watershed. Drought periods, climate variation, and upstream water management decisions can materially affect output and revenue.

Market Price Risk: As a participant in the NO2 price zone, Finså's revenues are exposed to regional electricity price fluctuations, which are determined by supply-demand dynamics across Southern Norway and interconnected markets.

Grid and Infrastructure Risk: Dependence on Tonstad kraftstasjon and the 52 kV transmission line creates potential single-point-of-failure scenarios. Grid maintenance, upgrades, or faults could temporarily interrupt power delivery.

Data Limitations: This page presents only publicly available information from NVE registries. Detailed financial performance, maintenance records, and forward-looking projections require direct engagement with the operator or access to restricted data within HydroSec.

No Guarantee of Returns: Nothing on this page constitutes investment advice, a guarantee of returns, or a recommendation to invest. Hydropower assets carry operational, regulatory, market, and hydrological risks that must be independently evaluated by qualified advisors.

Disclaimer: Information presented here is derived from NVE public registries and HydroSec's data aggregation. While we strive for accuracy, we make no warranty regarding completeness or real-time accuracy. For investment decisions, consult qualified legal, tax, and technical advisors and verify all material facts directly with operators and regulators.

Frequently asked questions

What is Finså's NVE registration ID?

Finså is registered with the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) under ID 83 [1].

When did Finså begin operations?

Finså has been in operation since 1962 [3], making it a mature, long-established facility within Norway's hydropower portfolio.

Who operates Finså?

Finså is operated by Å ENERGI VANNKRAFT AS [7], which holds the primary hydropower concession for the facility.

Which electricity price zone does Finså serve?

Finså operates within the NO2 price zone [6], which covers Southern Norway and is part of the broader Nordic electricity market.

What is Finså's data center suitability grade?

Finså receives a Grade A assessment [11] for data center hosting potential, with estimated maximum capacity around 5 MW [11]. This reflects strong infrastructure, grid proximity, and operational stability, though this is a qualitative assessment and does not guarantee specific performance.

What hydrological system supplies Finså?

Finså draws water from the Sira watershed [5], which determines its water availability and seasonal production patterns.

How far is Finså from the nearest grid connection?

The nearest Statnett transformer station is Tonstad kraftstasjon, approximately 1.48 km away, operating at 52 kV [9].

Is Finså's concession currently active?

Yes, Finså's concession status with NVE is active [8], confirming ongoing legal authorization to operate.

Sources

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