Haugaland Næringspark hopes to be the location for a new large battery factory to be established in Norway. "When we see what needs the factory has, we will be an ideal location," says general manager Tiril Fjeld.
Panasonic, Hydro and Equinor are planning a large battery factory together in Norway, and have invited Norwegian municipalities and regions to submit bids for the location of the new factory. The tender focuses on using Norwegian renewable energy to start sustainable production of batteries for electric cars. In order to operate such a factory, the three companies need access to expertise, regulated land, power and water for cooling.
- Access to labor, as well as good location in terms of logistics and power access, are some of the most important criteria we will apply," says Equinor project manager Anders Hegna Hærland in a press release.
Perfect location with all necessary amenities
- We believe Haugaland Business Park is an ideal location for this establishment and will be submitting our candidacy," says Tiril Fjeld, General Manager of Haugaland Business Park.
Haugaland Næringspark is located in Gismarvik in Tysvær, and is owned by Karmøy, Haugesund, Tysvær, Vindafjord and Bokn. This is an option that the entire region supports.
Unique access to green power
- With our 5,000 acres, we are Norway's largest fully regulated business park, we have a well-developed infrastructure including fiber, good cooling options from the sea, our own deep-water quay and good logistics with a short route to Europe. In addition, we have plenty of green power, both in the form of hydropower and the upcoming offshore wind field just west of us. That's why we'll be very attractive to green industry initiatives like this," she says.
Haugaland Business Park is located in the middle of an industry-intensive region, with Kårstø and Hydro just ten minutes away.
Many workplaces
The three companies have estimated that around 2,000 skilled operators and personnel with higher education will be needed for the new establishment. Through the tender competition, they hope to identify 10-15 possible locations in Norway that meet the companies' needs, and then move forward with three finalist options around the summer.
