Production process with the use of renewable energy
The heart of the facility is the ammonia plant. Green ammonia is synthesized by combining green hydrogen, produced through electrolysis of water using renewable energy, with nitrogen from the air using the Haber-Bosch process. The project features an electrolysis capacity of 240 MW, all powered by renewable energy.
Transport of ammonia
The project focuses on the environment, with sustainability at the core of the production process. The liquid ammonia produced at the facility will be transported through an insulated pipeline in a mountain tunnel and a short underground section in the Birkeland area. This pipeline will extend to a storage tank by the sea in Hesthammarbukta, east of Sauda Port. From here ammonia will be transported by ship to the market.
Safe transportation and storage
In Hesthammer the ammonia terminal includes a storage tank with a concrete shell with a capacity of 30,000 tons, equivalent to 45,000 m3 (gross volume). Approximately one month's worth of ammonia production will be stored in the tank before being loaded onto ammonia tanker ships. The loading operation will be carried out without a quay being built. We will use a floating transfer system that enables the safe and efficient transfer of ammonia from the storage tank to a tanker ship.
Vessels weighing up to 20,000 gross tons will deliver green ammonia from the Sauda port and various destinations in Norway and Europe.
Safety zones
The plan also shows the safety zones, which are a requirement for this type of facility in accordance with the guidelines of the Directorate for Civil Protection and Emergency Planning (DSB). Based on the conducted Qualitative Risk Assessment (QRA), we have identified indicative safety zones around the plant, pipeline, and storage area. The safety zones are conservatively estimated and may be reduced in scope as the project's level of detail develops.
Relocation
According to the zoning plan, all businesses at Birkeland, including Sauda Upper Secondary School's transportation department will be relocated. Iverson eFuels is actively collaborating with all the affected businesses to explore suitable solutions for relocation. Our goal is to ensure that these businesses can continue their operations with minimal disruption.
Environmental impact assessment
A comprehensive environmental impact assessment has been conducted, revealing consequences for terrestrial biodiversity, cultural heritage, and marine water quality. These issues will be addressed diligently to ensure compliance with established standards.
Going forward
Now we have submitted the zoning plan to Sauda Municipality for its initial evaluation. The following phase involves sending the detailed zoning plan out for public hearing. Afterwards, the plan will undergo a second political review by the Sauda Municipality. It will then be up to the municipality to determine if Iverson eFuels AS can proceed with the green ammonia factory and under what terms and conditions. Subsequently, Iverson eFuels will need to decide whether they accept the conditions and then make an investment decision.
Communication
Transparency and open communication are important for us. We are committed to keeping our stakeholders informed about the progress of the project through the following communication channels:
- Website: Our website is a reliable source of up-to-date information about the project. We ensure it reflects the latest developments and insights for anyone interested in our progress.
- Feedback channels: We welcome all questions, comments, or concerns. Please feel free to reach out to us via email or the message form on our website's Contact page.
- Local HUB Coordinator: Gunnar Gauthun, our HUB coordinator, serves as a vital link between the project and the local community. You can find him at Eramet's offices at Birkelandsvegen 1, 4200 Sauda. His door is always open, and he is always ready for a chat over a cup of coffee.
- Social media updates: Follow our social media channels (Facebook and LinkedIn) for posts about the project's developments, partnerships, events, and milestones. This is an effective way to stay connected and informed about our journey.
Positive societal impact
In summary, our green ammonia production facility is expected to generate benefits for the local community and the whole region as well as create a synergy effect for other industries. The project will create job opportunities, contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in shipping that can use ammonia as a zero-emission fuel, and therefore contribute significantly to achieving climate goals.
Iverson eFuels AS has addressed all regulatory requirements and believes that the plan should proceed to the public hearing phase.
This project marks a new era in green hydrogen and ammonia production, driving sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Stay tuned for further updates!
For inquiries or additional information, please contact us via post@iverson-efuels.no.