Construction has started on the Skjeggedal hydropower plant in Åmli municipality in southern Norway. The project is being developed by Å Energi and is scheduled to enter operation in 2028. Once completed, the plant is expected to generate about 21GWh of electricity per year.
Jan Erik Eldor, Executive Vice President for hydropower at Å Energi, said the project forms part of the company's strategy to expand renewable power generation and strengthen long-term security of electricity supply. Increased hydropower production is also expected to provide additional income for the company's public owners, including several municipalities and Statkraft. Å Energi has stated an ambition to invest around US$1bn in new renewable power capacity by 2035. As of the third quarter of 2025, the group's total investments amounted to about US$209m, up roughly 40% from the same period in 2024.
The project has also led to upgrades in local digital infrastructure. Skjeggedal, a small hamlet in the western part of the municipality, previously lacked broadband access and had limited mobile coverage. Through a joint initiative involving Åmli municipality, Det Digitale Agder, Telenor, Glitre Nett and Å Energi Vannkraft, broadband and improved mobile coverage are now being established in the area.
