- "This is a milestone for us and a clear signal of how we intend to invest in the years ahead. Haugaland Næringspark is an ideal location for us, with large areas, and unlike many other places, the infrastructure and grid connection are already in place. The park has already made a name for itself in the clean energy and renewables segment, and of course we also see good synergy opportunities in the future industrial establishments here. In Haugaland Næringspark, we do not need to take up cultivated land, and the established business area will be an advantage in the establishment phase," says Olav Linga, CEO of Haugaland Kraft.
Positive for the environmental accounts
Endra' s main focus is on long-term agreements with companies, which provides investment security and predictability for customers.
- There is a growing trend among companies in Europe to buy electricity directly from plants on long-term contracts. This ensures a stable price picture, and from a sustainability perspective, direct purchase agreements can be credited in the environmental accounts - without the need for additional certificates. The EU and major players such as Equinor and others have increasingly stringent requirements for the share of renewables, so this will be a good solution for many," says Kristian Gautesen, CEO of Endra.
Good synergy opportunities in the park
"With new types of technology, we can manage power production throughout the day and meet demand in a smarter way, especially for companies that use a lot of electricity during the day. Gautesen foresees an ever-increasing need for various forms of battery charging in the future, and charging with solar power during the day can be a smart solution.
- "We hope that new establishments in the park will see the benefits of short-range clean energy. A giant battery factory is now being built here, and there are also plans for several businesses that will have large roof surfaces - ideal for the production of solar power. Data centers and refrigeration companies will also be ideal for solar production. "There will probably be tough competition in this market, but our goal is to be well positioned and competitive," he says.
In addition to direct purchase agreements, Endra is also focusing on selling solar power to the grid.
General Manager of Haugaland Næringspark, Tiril Fjeld, is very pleased to bring another producer of clean energy into the park.
- We need all the clean power production we can get. With Statnett's planned 420 kV substation, Fagne's 132 kV substation, wind power both onshore and from the future Utsira Nord, solar power from Endra will strengthen the park as an important energy hub. With enough clean energy, the big establishments with jobs and exports will come," says Fjeld.
Western Norway is not primarily known for its good weather. However, solar power production here has several advantages.
- We are not dependent on continuous strong sunshine. In fact, temperature plays an equally important role, in that excessively high temperatures weaken the effect of the solar cells. Compared to countries in southern Europe, there is therefore an advantage in producing solar power at slightly lower temperatures," explains Gautesen.
Endra and Haugaland Næringspark will now take a closer look at specific areas, before Endra starts applying for a license.
- "Our goal is to be up and running in two to three years," says Gautesen.