Illvatn: Engineering a pumped-storage project in the Norwegian mountains

Designing the technology and planning the details.

The Illvatn pumped-storage project in Norway is moving through its design phase, with Litostroj responsible for the complete technological scope of the new Francis pump-turbine unit. Our teams are currently working on the detailed design, integration and logistics that will prepare the equipment for installation at one of Norway’s remote hydropower sites.

Engineering for a challenging powerhouse

At this stage of the project, one of the key areas of focus is the design of the embedded components and the integration of the turbine equipment within the powerhouse.

The challenge goes beyond designing the individual components. Our engineers also need to ensure that the complete turbine system can be assembled efficiently within the available space, while allowing sufficient room for future inspection, maintenance and servicing.

This requires close coordination between hydraulic, mechanical and site-related aspects of the project, ensuring that the equipment not only meets its technical requirements, but also works as a complete system once it reaches the site.

Planning the journey to the mountains

The remote location of the Illvatn project adds another layer of complexity. Together with the client, our teams are already working on the logistics of transporting the individual components to the powerhouse. Component dimensions, delivery sequence and site access all need to be considered early in the design process. For a project located deep in the Norwegian mountains, how the equipment reaches the site is an important part of how the equipment is designed.

From engineering to installation

Litostroj is responsible for the complete technological scope of the Illvatn pump-turbine unit, including detailed engineering, manufacturing of key components, installation, commissioning and final handover. The project includes the supply of a Francis pump-turbine unit and associated auxiliary systems for the new pumped-storage plant in Luster, Norway.

For Litostroj, Illvatn is also an important step in strengthening our presence in the Norwegian market and further developing our position as a specialist supplier of pumped-storage and hydropower technology in Northern Europe.

More to come from Illvatn

The project is now taking shape through detailed engineering, coordination and preparation for manufacturing and site execution. More to come from Illvatn soon.