Planning the swedish extra-high-voltage system

BECAUSE OF THE availability of ample water power resources combined with a lack of cheap fuels the electric power supply in Sweden is based almost exclusively on water power. Of the water power resources suitable for exploitation which are now assessed at 80,000 million kwhr per annum, 15 per cent is located in the densely populated southern part of the country. The remainder is found in the northern half inhabited by only 15 per cent of population. The resources in the North are now being developed, and 75 per cent of the power produced is transmitted to the South. In 1953 1,540 megawatts (mw) were transmitted and it is anticipated that by the year 1960 the maximum capacity will be increased to 3,300 mw. The average transmission distance is about 300 miles.