|
World Potential (SWEDEN)
History of Hydropower
Electric light was first demonstrated in Sweden in the 1870's.
Power was then produced in small steam stations fueled by
coal or oil. The first generating stations based on hydropower
were established in the 1880's. These stations were usually
built where there had previously been directly driven machinery
for mills, saws, hammers etc. The stations were small and
were essentially intended to supply power to industries and
communities in the immediate vicinity. Hundreds of such small
local hydroelectric power stations were constructed during
the end of the nineteenth and the beginning of the twentieth
century.
As the technique of transferring power over longer distances
developed in the beginning of the 1900's, it became possible
to exploit the large rivers in the south and in the n-fiddle
of the country. Many of the companies, which today are responsible
for the country's power supply, were formed at this time.
The Government engaged in electric power production at this
stage. It was the owner of a number of suitable and well situated
waterfalls and interested in the electrification of the railways.
In 1906 the Riksdag (Parliament) granted funds for the harnessing
of the Trollhdttan falls, the first Government hydropower
project. The formation of the-Swedish State Power Board followed
in 1909. Nowadays roughly 30% of the total energy requirement
is supplied as electric power. Until 1967 the power supply
was almost entirely based on hydropower. Since then thermal
power has played a growing part in the power production. In
1995 hydropower accounted for 47%, nuclear power for 47%,
combined cycle stations for 6%, oil fired condensing stations
and gas turbines etc for less than 1% of the production.
Country Brief
History of Hydropower
Installed Capacity
Electricity Supply
Network
Planning, Operation,
and Power Exchange
The Deregulated
Electricity Market
Hydrology and Topography
Background of Hydro
Development
Hydropower Developed
Until 1995
Available Hydropower
Potential
The Possibilities
of Further Development
|
