Expansion of hydropower plant leads to environmental gains

Enriching project #13 992 of 31 000. Several major environmentally-related challenges in a single project can be the starting point for innovation and cooperation. Sweco's total plan gives new life to the Drammenselva river in Norway.

EB Kraftproduksjon in Drammen, Norway, is planning to expand its hydropower plant in the central section of the Drammenselva River. The new plant will be built on a former industrial site (paper mill and auto workshop). However, large amounts of environmental toxins were found in the soil and on the river bottom. Through a far-reaching collaboration, Sweco has prepared a total plan for how excavated soil from the expansion can be used locally to give new life to the river.

The contaminated river bottom will be sealed with a geomembrane and covered with clean excavated soil from the construction phase to create new nursery areas for fish. Excavated soil will also be used to build up new spawning grounds for trout and salmon. In addition, the project includes the development of an innovative new salmon ladder.