History
The recently completed Harsprånget, which had been a record-breaking construction in many regards, had to see itself beaten by Ligga on a number of points. Ligga’s drainage tunnel had an area of 260 m2, compared to Harsprånget’s 190 m2. The reason for the expansive dimensions of the drainage tunnel was that timber was to be transported through it. This was something that hadn’t been a concern when Porjus and Harsprånget were built, as log driving started downstream from both power plants. Around the time of construction, 10,000 to 30,000 logs per year were driven through Ligga.
Kaplan turbines were installed at the power plant, unlike in Porjus and Harsprånget, which used the Francis type. With a head of almost 40 metres, it was the tallest head for which this type of turbine had been used. The dam was built as a rockfill dam, and the fillers were taken from the excavation of the tunnel and the machine room, which was located 35 metres below ground.
Ligga started operating in 1954, but an expansion housing a third power generation unit and a new machine room was added in 1982. It’s Sweden’s first unstaffed and completely remotely controlled power plant. The power plant foundations are on rock, and there is a spillway section with three openings. All of the gates are upward segment gates; two are operated by an electric winch, and one by a jack. The powerhouse is subterranean, with both the machine room and the control room completely beneath the rock. Above the machine room, a 70-centimetre thick concrete dome has been moulded, completely disconnected from the rock.
At most, 700 construction workers worked at Ligga, compared to the 1,100 people who worked on the Harsprånget expansion. It should also be noted that Ligga was the first construction along the Luleälven where office staff and workers ate together.
The workers at Ligga power plant came from the Harsprånget village. Three temporary bachelors’ houses were erected, housing some 30 people, as well as facilities for catering and changing clothes.
Images
All pictures below are part of the power plant's history. All images are copyrighted. You may use the images for personal use but the images may not be used in commercial contexts or printed matter without our permission. Click on the pictures to enlarge them.
Stories
Here you can read other people's stories about the power plant. And if you have your own story, please share it. Whether you want it to be published on the site or not, we are interested in all stories.
Do you have a story about the powerplant or life around the river?
Send us your story
Visitor information
Below you can read about everything you need to know before a possible visit to the power plant. When it is best to visit the power plant, how to find here and about the rules that apply in the area.
