– Iverson eFuels has worked thoroughly to find the best possible solutions for the companies needing relocation. "We've now had meetings with all the businesses, and we feel that we've established an open and close dialogue. This is important to us," says CEO Hege Økland.
All the companies at Birkeland that need to move due to the establishment of the ammonia plant have now been allocated new replacement plots on land currently owned by the municipality, which Iverson will purchase. The companies will have all relocation and re-establishment costs covered, and they will be able to move into modern buildings that meet updated standards. Additionally, we are working to ensure that the companies benefit from the excess heat generated by the factory's production.
Significant ripple effects
At the same time, the companies will become part of the New Birkeland Industrial Park, which is set to become a future hub for business development in Sauda. The goal is for the industrial park to be attractive both to the companies joining now and to those looking to establish operations there in the future.
"We hope the industrial park will foster the collaboration and dynamism we see elsewhere. This will benefit all of Sauda, and for us, having a thriving business community in the area where we operate is essential. The billions we are investing in Sauda will also create significant ripple effects for subcontractors and companies providing support services. We strive to maintain a close relationship with our subcontractors, which is why it’s logical to prioritise local suppliers whenever possible, both during the construction phase and when the factory is fully operational with 40-50 employees," says Økland.
Strict safety requirements
Various authorities and agencies are setting very strict safety requirements for the plant, especially the Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB), which ensures that safety is maintained both at the site and in the surrounding area. DSB also determines the extent of the so-called safety zones, which dictate what types of businesses can be located in different areas. Iverson eFuels has contracted Gexcon to calculate these safety zones according to DSB's requirements.
Nevertheless, many of the companies are keen to understand what it will mean to be located near a factory that produces ammonia. "We fully understand that there are many questions about this, particularly since misunderstandings and misinformation can easily arise in such cases. We're building a modern ammonia plant that will be free from odours and harmful emissions. Moreover, there will be numerous safety barriers and monitoring systems in place to prevent unwanted incidents. No ammonia will be stored at Birkeland. Safety is our top priority, and we are committed to preventing and eliminating unwanted incidents, ensuring that the factory becomes a safe and secure workplace and neighbour in Sauda," says Økland.