Hydropower Infrastructure

Osavatnet Hydropower Plant

Osavatnet is a hydropower plant in Vestland, Norway, operated by Bergen Kommune and connected to the Arnaelva watershed system.

Osavatnet at a Glance

Osavatnet is a hydropower facility located in Bergen, Vestland, in western Norway. The plant is classified as a Kraftverk (conventional hydropower station) and has been in operation since May 7, 2012 [1]. The facility is part of the Arnaelva watershed system and operates within the NO5 electricity price zone, which covers much of western Norway.

The plant is registered with the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) under facility ID 1694 and is operated by BERGEN KOMMUNE, the municipality of Bergen [2]. This public ownership structure reflects the strategic importance of hydropower infrastructure to the region's energy supply and industrial development.

Ownership and Operational Context

BERGEN KOMMUNE holds the primary concession for Osavatnet [3]. As a municipal utility operator, Bergen Kommune manages hydropower assets as part of Norway's broader commitment to renewable energy generation and grid stability. The concession status with the NVE is currently listed as granted_pending, indicating the facility operates under an established regulatory framework [4].

For detailed information about Bergen Kommune's broader hydropower portfolio and operational practices, visit the owner profile.

Hydrological System: Arnaelva Watershed

Osavatnet draws water from the Arnaelva watershed, a key hydrological system in Vestland [5]. The Arnaelva catchment area provides the precipitation and runoff that sustains the plant's generation capacity. Understanding the watershed context is essential for assessing long-term water availability and seasonal generation patterns.

For a comprehensive overview of the Arnaelva system, including other connected facilities and hydrological data, see the Arnaelva watershed profile.

Regional and Grid Context

Location: Bergen, Vestland (fylke) Electricity Price Zone: NO5 [6] Nearest Statnett Transmission Station: Arna, approximately 3.98 km away [7] Nearest Industrial Zone: Mongstad (Lindås), approximately 55 km away [8]

The NO5 price zone encompasses much of western Norway and reflects regional electricity supply and demand dynamics. Proximity to the Arna transmission station ensures grid connectivity for power export and system balancing.

Data Center Suitability Assessment

Osavatnet receives a Grade A rating for data center infrastructure suitability in HydroSec's assessment framework [9]. This grade reflects favorable characteristics for energy-intensive computing operations, including:

  • Reliable hydropower generation from a regulated watershed
  • Established grid connection via nearby Statnett infrastructure
  • Municipal operator with long-term operational stability
  • Operational since 2012, demonstrating proven reliability

Note: Detailed capacity figures, sub-component scores, and precise hydrological parameters are available to registered users. Contact HydroSec for access to the full technical profile.

Plant Classification

Osavatnet is classified as a Kraftverk (conventional hydropower station), the standard category for regulated hydropower facilities in Norway. This classification distinguishes it from run-of-river plants and other generation types.

What You'll Access After Registration

HydroSec's registered users gain access to detailed technical and financial data, including:

  • Maximum installed capacity (MW)
  • Average annual production (GWh)
  • Gross head and efficiency metrics
  • Detailed hydrological time-series data
  • Site infrastructure assessments
  • Comparative benchmarking against similar facilities

To unlock these insights, create an account or contact our team.

Explore Related Infrastructure

Risks and Limitations

Data Completeness: While Osavatnet's core registration data (ID, location, operator, commissioning date) is complete and sourced from NVE, some technical parameters remain restricted to registered users.

Hydrological Variability: Hydropower generation is subject to precipitation and runoff patterns, which vary seasonally and annually. Historical production does not guarantee future output.

Regulatory Changes: Norwegian energy policy, grid regulations, and concession terms may evolve. Investors should monitor NVE announcements and Statnett grid updates.

Grid Dependency: Power export capacity depends on transmission infrastructure availability and grid congestion in the NO5 zone. Transmission constraints may limit revenue potential during peak demand periods.

Operator Risk: While Bergen Kommune is a stable, publicly owned entity, municipal budget pressures or policy shifts could affect operational investment or maintenance standards.

Disclaimer: This page presents factual infrastructure data sourced from NVE and HydroSec's database. It is not investment advice, legal counsel, or a guarantee of returns. Investors must conduct independent due diligence and consult qualified advisors before making capital allocation decisions. Past operational performance does not imply future results.

Frequently asked questions

When was Osavatnet commissioned?

Osavatnet was commissioned on May 7, 2012 [1]. The facility has been in continuous operation for over a decade, demonstrating proven reliability in the Vestland region.

Who operates Osavatnet?

Osavatnet is operated by Bergen Kommune (Bergen Municipality) [2], which holds the primary concession from the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE). This public ownership ensures long-term operational stability and alignment with Norway's renewable energy objectives.

What watershed system supplies Osavatnet?

Osavatnet draws water from the Arnaelva watershed [5]. This hydrological system provides the precipitation and runoff that sustains the plant's generation capacity. Detailed watershed data is available via the Arnaelva profile.

What is Osavatnet's electricity price zone?

Osavatnet operates in the NO5 price zone [6], which covers much of western Norway. This zone reflects regional electricity supply and demand dynamics and influences power pricing and grid management.

How far is Osavatnet from the nearest transmission station?

The nearest Statnett transmission station is Arna, located approximately 3.98 km away [7]. This proximity ensures reliable grid connectivity for power export and system balancing.

What is Osavatnet's data center suitability rating?

Osavatnet receives a Grade A rating for data center infrastructure suitability [9]. This reflects reliable hydropower generation, established grid connection, and proven operational stability. Detailed capacity and sub-component scores are available to registered users.

What detailed technical data is available after registration?

Registered users gain access to maximum installed capacity (MW), average annual production (GWh), gross head, efficiency metrics, hydrological time-series data, site infrastructure assessments, and comparative benchmarking. Contact HydroSec to create an account.

What is the NVE facility ID for Osavatnet?

Osavatnet's NVE facility ID is 1694 [0]. This identifier is used in all official Norwegian energy registry systems and HydroSec's database.

Sources

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