The blasting marked the start of construction for the Holsbru project, which will increase Hydro’s annual power production in Sogn by 84 GWh.

"Hydro’s ambition is to increase its hydropower production within existing concession areas (in Norway) in the coming years. Holsbru is a good project because it improves the utilization of the water resources in the area around Tyin without significant impact on the landscape," says Ola Sæter, head of Hydro’s Energy business area.

By building tunnels from Holsbruvatn and Rausdøla to the old power station at Tyin, Hydro will be able to utilize water resources that have not previously been used. This is because Holsbruvatn and Rausdøla are located below the water intake reservoir for the new Tyin power station, which replaced the old plant in 2004.

By resuming production at two of the generators in the old Tyin power station, Hydro will increase production by 84 GWh, with the total power production from Tyin exceeding 1,600 GWh.

Hydro expects to invest slightly more than NOK 200 million in the project.