Since 2020, at least seven incidents where objects have fallen have been recorded. This is clear from a letter from the Norwegian Directorate of Water and Energy (NVE). The directorate now demands that the problems at the wind power plant be resolved by mid-October. Section manager Anne Johanne Kråkenes says that NVE takes the situation seriously. – We record repeated falling objects from the turbines linked to strong winds. This should not happen. Ånstadblåheia wind power plant is located in Sortland municipality in Nordland and consists of 14 wind turbines. The wind power plant produces around 140-150 gigawatt hours a year. This corresponds to the annual energy consumption of around 7,500 Norwegian households. General manager of Ånstadblåheia Wind Park, Noor Nooraddin, confirms the problems at the wind power plant. – The weather and wind in Vesterålen is probably one of the toughest things you can subject such machinery to. Has not happened before Kråkenes in NVE describes the situation that has arisen at the wind power plant in Sortland as unusual. A wind power plant located on the coast of Northern Norway must be able to withstand a lot of weather and wind. Nevertheless, strong winds and falling ice have caused the cover, panels and other parts to fall to the ground. According to NVE, the situation indicates that the plant at Ånstadblåheia is neither in a satisfactory operational condition nor sized to operate safely. Photo: Michael Ulriksen – Based on the information we have now, we are not aware that this is a problem at other wind power plants. We have partially stopped facilities in the past, but not because of falling objects or lack of maintenance, says the section manager in NVE. Can be dangerous According to NVE, the situation indicates that the plant is neither in a satisfactory operational condition nor designed to operate safely. – They have made some improvements. But we note that unwanted incidents still occur. When it then becomes repetitive, it becomes reinforcing. That is why it is important that they address the conditions, says Kråkenes. Objects falling down can create dangerous situations for people and animals traveling in Ånstadblåheia. – Controversial plant On Tuesday, the newspaper Bladet Vesterålen writes in a leading position that it is urgent to fix the wind turbines, which must be able to cope with northern Norwegian wind. – In the last two years it has not been safe to travel on the mountain. Although the facility is now being equipped for the future, and the surrounding area safe, the reputation is damaged. That’s what Morten Berg-Hansen, who is the editor of the newspaper, says. In Sortland, you can barely see the windmills in the distance, up on Ånstadblåheia. Photo: Kai Jæger Kristoffersen / news He says that many people were skeptical about building the wind power plant on Ånstadblåheia. Especially with regard to the nature in the area. But also fear of ice floe in winter, and the safety of users of the alpine resort in Ånstadblåheia. Berg-Hansen thinks it may seem as if the weather conditions have surprised both owner Fortum and manufacturer Vestas. He says that in several cases parts of the plastic cover on the cooling system on the turbines have come loose and fallen down. – It turned out that the covers were not made for such tough conditions as it can sometimes be at Ånstadblåheia. We who live here now have a clear expectation that they will clean up, he says. – Safety most important 20 technicians are now busy installing the new covers at the wind power plant. General manager Noor Nooraddin in Fortum says that safety has the highest priority. – We have monitored the situation carefully and have always had an ongoing dialogue with NVE, the municipality and the alpine resort, he says. Ånstadblåheia wind farm The wind farm is partly owned by Energy Infrastructure Partners (EIP) and Fortum, and it is operated by Nordkraft. Nordkraft is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the wind farm on behalf of Fortum. In addition, they supply wind technicians for operating the turbines on behalf of the turbine supplier Vestas. Source: Ånstadblåheia wind park He says that the challenge has been that a cover on top of the turbine has not withstood the extreme weather conditions in Vesterålen. – At the same time, it took some time to find the cause of the error that had occurred. The repairs are now in full swing, and the work being done now will ensure that the turbines are secured for their lifetime. Although the job is resource-intensive, we will be at the finish line well in advance of the NVE deadline, he says.
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Threatens to close Ånstadblåheia wind power plant – can’t stand wind and cold – news Nordland
