Kjensvatn Power Plant
The planned Kjensvatn Power Plant in Hemnes will exploit the drop in height between the existing hydropower reservoirs Gressvatn and Kjennsvatn. Both have been regulated for hydropower purposes since the late 1960s, and currently feed Rana Power Plant. A pre-application report was sent to the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) in November 2002, while the actual licence application was filed in February 2004.
The project area lies in Hemnes, while the run-off from Kjennsvatn reservoir is transferred to Store Akersvatn and Rana Power Plant in Rana. The nearest village is Korgen. The plans cover two alternatives: Alternative A exploits an approx. 70 m drop and the currently regulated water flow from Gressvatn reservoir to Kjennsvatn, with a power plant whose outflow runs into Austre Kjennsvatn. This alternative could generate 38 GWh per year. Alternative B exploits the same drop as Alternative A, but also lengthens the water transfer from Leirskarddalen to Gressvatn. This alternative would provide a higher output, while at the same time correcting a number of unfortunate effects of the 1960s scheme. The most important environmental gain would be improved water quality in Vestre Kjennsvatn, with less mud, warmer water and stable water levels. Statkraft is applying primarily for permission to go ahead with Alternative B. Tax revenues for Hemnes District Council More information:
The construction of Alternative B would cost NOK 175 million, and would provide Hemnes District Council with an annual NOK 1-1.5 million in tax revenues.
A brochure describing in detail both the alternatives and their consequences has been printed in connection with the licence application. To download the brochure, go to the link at the top right of this page.
Click here to download a high resolution picture of Kjensvatn (jpg, 7 Mb)
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URL: http://www.statkraft.com/pub/hydropower/projects_and_applications/kjensvatn.indexasp