Author(s): Randi Pytte Asvall
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Abstract: Water regulation for power production in Norway started in the late 1800’s. The 1900’s was the time of power development of the “large water falls”. It was soon recognized that the regulation of water could cause changes in the ice conditions and thus create ice problems both in the watercourse and at the power plant. Ice investigations were recognized as an important part in the planning of power projects, aiming to avoid potential conflicts connected to changes in ice conditions. Courts of evaluation were established to determine the extent of such problems, and thus provide a base for establishing compensation to people affected. Today the major part of the hydro power potential has been developed. The period of constructing new large water power regulations has come to an end. The focus is now on developing in smaller rivers, and on increasing production in existing power plants. In parallel with the ice investigations there has been a focus on fish. In recent years the mutual interaction between ice and biological life has been more and more focused, especially as regards fish, aiming to find the most advantageous scheme of regulation. The climate and thus hydrology and ice condition varies greatly throughout the country and from year to year. Influence of variations in climate on the interaction between ice and power regulation has been evaluated. Prognoses for expected future climate changes are different in the north and the south, and the east and the west. Possible changes relevant to ice conditions are discussed.
Year: 2008