The Tyin power plant was completed in 1944 and laid the foundation for the construction of the aluminum plant in Årdal. Fortun was built and put into operation in 1959, when aluminum production needed more power than Tyin was able to supply alone.
The power deliveries from Fortun were crucial for the upscaling of aluminum production in Årdal in the early 1960s. The highest fall height in Sogn is 1040 meters, and the power plants with the highest production are Tyin and Skagen power plants.
The development of power 50 years ago was also important for the local community. The inhabitants of Luster municipality finally got access to plenty of electric power, and thus the many chores of everyday life became somewhat easier.
If you are interested in how the agricultural community in Årdal at the foot of Jotunheimen became part of the modern industrial community in Norway, you can read more on our history pages here.