The year is 1903. Värtaverket stands proud. A new dawn breaks for Stockholm’s electricity.
This is Värtaverket. More than just a power plant. It’s a vital part of Stockholm’s history. Opened on December 18 1903 Värtaverket initially provided the city with electricity. Many of the buildings surrounding it were designed by the renowned architect Ferdinand Boberg.
Before Värtaverket Stockholm relied on Brunkebergsverket. That smaller plant near Regeringsgatan was the city’s first. It produced electricity using direct current. But by the late 1890s it reached its capacity. The advancement of alternating current transmission changed everything. It now became possible to transmit power from hydroelectric plants over longer distances.
Stockholm attempted to secure access to state-owned hydropower. Their attempt at Älvkarlebyfallen failed. The solution? Build Värtaverket. A steam power plant. Situated by Lilla Värtan in Hjorthagen.
Initially Värtaverket used steam boilers. These powered turbines and generators. The fuel? Coke from the nearby Värtagasverket. Both plants were part of the same company. A very efficient operation.
The steam power plant was decommissioned in 1970. Oil became the primary fuel for electricity and district heating. Today Värtaverket is operated by Fortum. It still plays a crucial role. It generates electricity district heating and district cooling. It is essential for Stockholm’s and Lidingö’s energy supply. Värtaverket Värtagasverket and the heat pumps are critical. The transformer in Hjorthagen is also essential infrastructure.
Värtaverket has evolved. It now utilizes coal natural gas and heavy oil. It also uses biomass such as wood olive pits and tall oil. Two heat pumps extract energy from the waters of Värtan. The plant boasts a significant installed capacity. 374 MW spread across four blocks. In 2008 its CO2 emissions were around 610 400 tons.
Värtaverket isn’t just about power generation. It’s a symbol of innovation. A testament to Stockholm’s ongoing quest for efficient sustainable energy. Stand here and feel the legacy. The power of progress. The enduring spirit of Värtaverket.