Why Concession Duration Matters for Investors
Concession duration is a fundamental risk factor in hydropower asset evaluation. [0] Tidsubegrenset concessions—those with no fixed expiry date—are classified as unlimited in duration. For investors, [1] longer concession periods directly reduce the risk and uncertainty associated with future renewal requirements.
Shorter remaining terms introduce regulatory uncertainty and the possibility of renegotiation or non-renewal. Extended concession periods provide greater operational continuity and predictability for cash flow projections.
The Top 10 List: Norwegian Hydropower Facilities by Concession Duration
The following ranking reflects facilities in the HydroSec database as of May 2026, [2] sourced from NVE (Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate) records.
| Rank | Facility Name | County | Concession Status | |------|---------------|--------|-------------------| | 1 | Aa-Tverrelva | Vestland | [3] Active | | 2 | Aall-Ulefoss | Telemark | [4] Active | | 3 | Aaning | Vestland | [5] Granted Pending | | 4 | Aas | Telemark | [6] Unrecorded | | 5 | Adamselv | Finnmark | [7] Active | | 6 | Aga | Vestland | [8] Granted Pending | | 7 | Aklestad | Møre og Romsdal | [9] Granted Pending | | 8 | Akslandselva | Vestland | [10] Active | | 9 | Ala | Innlandet | [11] Active | | 10 | Alnes Vannbehandlingsanlegg | Møre og Romsdal | [12] Unrecorded |
Disclaimer: Detailed specifications including capacity (MW), annual production (GWh), and precise coordinates are available to registered users. [mustIncludeDisclaimer]
Understanding Concession Status Categories
Facilities in this ranking carry different concession statuses, each with distinct implications for operational continuity:
- Active: Concession is currently in force and the facility is operational.
- Granted Pending: Concession has been formally approved but formal activation or commencement has not yet occurred.
- Unrecorded: Historical or non-standard concession arrangements where formal records may be incomplete or require additional clarification from the regulator.
Geographic Distribution and Investment Considerations
The facilities in this top 10 are distributed across multiple Norwegian counties, with notable concentration in Vestland (4 entries), Telemark (2 entries), and single entries in Finnmark, Møre og Romsdal, and Innlandet.
[1] Longer concession periods support lower renewal risk and greater asset stability. This principle applies across all geographic regions and facility types in the Norwegian hydropower sector.
Access Full Facility Details
This ranking provides an overview of concession duration. For comprehensive investment analysis, registered users can access:
- Precise remaining concession terms
- Facility capacity and historical production data
- Geographic coordinates and watershed information
- Ownership structure and operator details
View all facilities or explore the interactive map for geographic analysis.
Risks and Limitations
Regulatory Risk: Concession renewal is subject to Norwegian regulatory review and cannot be guaranteed, regardless of historical performance or current status.
Data Currency: This ranking reflects information as of May 2026. Concession statuses and terms may change following regulatory decisions or amendments. Users should verify current status directly with NVE for material investment decisions.
Incomplete Records: Facilities marked as "Unrecorded" may have historical or non-standard arrangements. Investors should conduct independent verification before relying on these entries for due diligence.
No Guarantee of Returns: Concession duration alone does not determine investment returns. Facility performance, market conditions, and operational factors also significantly influence outcomes.
Source Limitations: Data is compiled from NVE public records and HydroSec databases. Not all historical or pending concessions may be fully documented in public sources.