Research and Development
Statkraft’s research and development (R&D) encompasses those activities which form the basis for resolving an identified and specific requirement, and which have a commercial objective, but where the relevant products, processes or skills cannot be acquired in the market. R&D projects are largely undertaken by national research institutions, universities or university colleges. Statkraft makes a financial contribution, either directly to the individual project or through the Norwegian Electricity Industry Association (EBL).
R&D river systems and the environment
R&D relating to river systems and the environment encompasses a great many projects. While some involve pure research, others are studies initiated by the authorities, either as a directive or with Statkraft’s voluntary cooperation.
Further details about some of the projects are available here:
Trout and reservoirs
HYDROFISH
The objective of the project is to develop methods for a more dynamic and better adapted management of alpine reservoirs in order to optimise the ecological status and production of fish in regulated mountain lakes without any noticeable loss of energy production. This is particularly relevant in connection with amendments to the terms of older production licences and assessments associated with future environmental regulations.
Climate change
VAKLE
Norwegian climatologists (Førland & Nordeng 1999, Førland et al 2000) are predicting changes in Norway’s climate as a result of global warming. Although the changes will vary in the different climatic regions, they will have a major impact on our river systems and their biotopes.
Restocking – a pilot project to assess the quality and impact of restocking measures
Statkraft’s position paper on fish management states that we shall maintain fish populations in the river systems covered by our production licences. Those river systems where restoration measures are insufficient or impossible to implement will be artificially restocked.
More power and more salmon – at the same time?
Can biological models and power generation models be combined to reveal new ways of operating our power plants so that we can produce both more power and more salmon?
Winter survival strategies of salmon fry
Winter mortality probably has a substantial impact on the production of young salmon. Salmon fry burn off more energy than they consume during the winter, and they will die if their bodies’ reserves of stored energy are exhausted. To survive the winter, salmon fry depend on the fat reserves they have built up during the summer season and on an active nutritional intake during the winter.
Revegetation – mountain seeds
Statkraft aims to limit the environmental impact of its operations and is continually improving the environmental performance of its existing facilities. The Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) carries out on-site environmental audits of Statkraft's facilities and has, on several occasions, pointed out a lack of vegetation in and around the sites.
GPS-tracking of wild reindeer
Wild reindeer in Setesdal Ryfylke and Setesdal Austhei will be equipped with GPS-tracking devices to increase our understanding of how the wild reindeer flocks use these areas.
Better environment – more power
Can we exploit our hydropower resources better, both with regard to energy generation and environmental impact?
Greenhouse gas emissions from hydropower reservoirs
Statkraft has established a project to measure greenhouse gas emissions from Norway’s hydropower reservoirs. This study has been prompted by international debate about whether artificially dammed areas represent a source of man-made greenhouse gas emissions.
Related items
URL: http://www.statkraft.com/pub/hydropower/research_and_development.indexasp