Main menu Products & services About us Our company Sustainability Investors Careers Media Blog Contact us AU3 Hydropower The bio channel Eldbäcken The characteristics of the Eldbäcken bypass channel in the Västerdalälven in Sweden were transformed from an ordinary fish way into an environment that is suitable for different types of animals and plants. The channel is located next to Fortum's hydropower plant Eldforsen. Voluntary initiative The construction of a new dam at Eldforsen was completed in 2011. Legally Fortum was not required to release water in the old river bed, but after discussions with the local residents, sport fishermen and the municipality, Fortum decided to voluntarily create a bypass channel in the form of a bio channel, which would supply the old river bed with water. A bypass channel for fish, animals, and plants A bio channel is a more diverse version of a nature-like bypass channel with the idea that various animal and plant species, not only fish, can establish themselves in the channel. In traditional bypass channels, the main purpose is usually to enable fish migration. But the Eldbäcken project includes the construction of the bio channel, the design of suitable habitats, and research studies on the establishment of different animal and plant species in the channel. The bio channel has a head of 5m and a length of 500m. To make the flow as natural as possible, the intake of the bio channel is constructed to create a variable flow regime. It also has other features, such as pools with low water velocity, islands and flood plains. Research possibilities Eldbäcken is unique in Sweden and will employ researchers from various universities for years. These studies contribute to various fields such as benthos, beach vegetation, large mussels, reptiles, fish, hydrology and flood fields. Real-time observations An underwater camera and fish-counter was installed in Eldbäcken, which monitors the fish and animals living in the bio channel. In the summer of 2018 the information was made public. The camera uses infrared rays to scan and register every single fish or animal that swims through Eldbäcken. The information is the displayed on a website that collects statistics and video clips of the different species. Fish counter in Eldbäcken (in Swedish) Back up Breadcrumb About us Our company Our energy production Hydropower Environmental approach Cases The bio channel Eldbäcken Footer Products Recycled oils Recycled plastics Nuclide removal Licensing and safety design Otso bio-oil Services Environmental construction Hazardous waste treatment Turbines and generators Power plant O&M and performance Find charging stations About us This is Fortum Sustainability approach Investors Open positions Media room Contact us All contacts Give feedback Supplier inquiries Sales contacts Raise a concern Social menu Fortum 2019. All rights reserved Data privacy and cookies Legal Notice