Power in Balance | Towers

Power in Balance, Kjerag, Rogaland

The project's objective

Lysefjord, on west coast of Norway, with its steep mountainsides and spectacular scenary attracts tourists from all over the world. Today, the high-voltage tower stands by the parking lot at Øygardsstølen and are attracting attention.

More than a high-voltage tower

The tower is a collaboration between Widenoja Design and EFLA, where Eva Widenoja is responsible for the design concept and EFLA for engineering. The idea came from the consultation process conducted by Statnett.

The design tower at Øygardsstølen is part of the 420 kV Western corridor project - Stage 2 (between Duge - Lyse - Tjørhom - Ertsmyra - Fjotland). 

Find out more about the 420kV Western Corridor project.

Solid anchoring

Stability and safety are an important part of the project. The tower with three poles, at 32, 35 and 39 meters tall, respectively, are exposed to heavy wind and ice loads on the current-carrying lines in long and heavy spans, in addition to the forces of nature on site. It is therefore essential to base the tower in a way that ensures adequate stability throughout their lifetime. Each foundation is anchored with 12 steel bars that go 12 meters obliquely down into the rock. The diameter of the struts is 40 millimetres, and each strut has a tensile design capacity of 82 tonnes, as quoted by NGI, the Norwegian Geological Institute.

EFLA's role

• Electromechanical and mechanical engineering
• Support with analysis of constructability and risk

Cost-effective design

It was important for EFLA to design cost-effectively solution. This was achieved by using established technologies in innovative ways and at the same time considering constructability and safety in the design phase. Close cooperation and follow-up between the producer, architect and project designer is the key to achieving this.