Built in 1908, the Finnforsen hydroelectric power station was the first large-scale power plant on the Skellefteälven River. In the first decade of the 20th century, the demand for electricity increased not only for lighting cities and workplaces but also for industry. During this period, several new pulp mills were built in the heavily forested county of Västerbotten, further increasing the need for large power plants. The development of the three-phase system in 1890, which enabled the transmission of electricity over long distances without significant energy loss, made it possible to generate electricity in large plants located far from consumers. For this reason, a new, more efficient power plant was built in Finnfors on the opposite bank of the river. The construction of the dam was considered extremely challenging at the time, as it took place in a virtually undeveloped area. Furthermore, Swedish hydraulic engineers largely lacked experience in building such large power plants under the prevailing climatic conditions. The cold climate placed particular demands on the design of the dam and the water intake system. Operations were not entirely smooth, as ice slush and driftwood accumulated at the tunnel entrance, obstructing the water flow.
The former power plant is now a museum and open to visitors in the summer. The generators, turbines, and instruments are fully preserved and tell the story of hydropower.