BERGEN, Norway 11/10/11 (PennWell) -- Norway hydro developer Smakraft AS has named two generator manufacturers to supply equipment for its portfolio of small hydroelectric projects.

Smakraft took proposals in 2010 from four firms to participate in framework agreements for long-term relationships with the developer. (HydroWorld 9/10/10) Smakraft seeks synchronous generators for use mostly with Pelton and Francis turbines.

Smakraft awarded framework agreements to Leroy Somer Norden Ab of Sodertalje, Sweden, and Koncar-Generators and Motors Inc. of Zagreb, Croatia.

The developer said it proposed framework agreements for two years beginning in 2011, with options to extend twice for periods of two years each. With a total scope of supply at about 10 units per year, Smakraft said estimated cost would be between 115 million and 120 million kroner (US$18.75 million and US$19.5 million).

Established in 2002, the Bergen-based Smakraft builds and operates small environmentally friendly run-of-river hydro projects. It has 23 projects in operation and another 10 under construction.

Smakraft said it has signed another 200 contracts with landowners to develop their waterfalls, equivalent to 2,300 gigawatt-hours. It plans to develop about 10 projects per year.