Augustin Paus.

About Augustin Paus

Augustin Thoresen Paus was a Norwegian engineer and industrial leader who played a key role in hydropower development in Norway through the first half of the 20th century. He graduated as an officer from the Military Academy and as a civil engineer from Dresden, starting his engineering career at Norsk Hydro as an associate of Sam Eyde during the development of the Rjukan industrial facilities. From 1918, he led the construction of the hydroelectric Rånåsfoss power plant, one of the largest in Europe. Upon its completion in 1922, he became the first managing director of Akershus elektrisitetsverk, a position he held until his death around two decades later. He was described as the "absolute ruler" of the industrial community that emerged at Rånåsfoss. He also held several other positions in the Norwegian power industry and was described as "one of the most prominent leaders in the Norwegian energy industry." He served as chairman of Glommens og Laagens Brukseierforening, Foreningen Samkjøringen—the precursor to the Nordic electricity exchange Nord Pool—the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, and several power companies.