The Region

Tjeldbergodden is situated in Aure commune, right in the middle between the cities Kristiansund and Trondheim in Midt-Norge. Hemne is the neighbouring commune to the north and the vast majority of employees at the industrial plant either live in Aure or in Hemne commune. These are coastal communes with varied and beautiful nature who can also provide a wide spectrum of cultural and recreational activities.

South of Tjeldbergodden is the regional city Kristiansund. The city faces the sea, spread out over several islands and is predominantly known for its important role as a base for the offshore activities in the Norwegian Sea.

The good port conditions is the basis for the founding of the city, and the port is to this day the heart of the cities activities.

East of Tjeldbergodden is Trondheim, Norways 3rd largest city and the technology capital of the country. The city has a strong and internationally renowned research community.

These innovative research communities are also major benefits to the industry at Tjeldbergodden.

Tjeldbergodden

Tjeldbergodden is the only industrial site in Norway where Norwegian natural gas is refined industrially. This has been key in developing Europes largest and the worlds most energy-efficient methanol plant, in addition to the gas factory and LNG-plant.

The story of Tjeldbergodden started with the expansion of the Heidrun field in the Norwegian Sea. Heidrun was one of the first oil-and-gas fields made operational in the central Norwegian region. The Heidrun-area is still one of the most important areas in Norwegian oil industry, with a long-term perspective on activities.

Before production at Heidrun could begin, there were also created strict environmental guidelines. Natural gas had to find its best solution, both in relation to environment and economy. For the first time in Norwegian industrial history was the decision made that Norwegian natural gas was to be brought ashore for industrial processing through large scale production of methanol.

The industrial area Tjeldbergodden was then established and a highly competent industrial environment took shape. The methanol plant became operational in 1997.

Oil and gas production in the Norwegian Sea has a long term perspective. Tjeldbergodden is also part of this perspective through the access to natural gas from the Norwegian Sea via the transport pipe Haltenpipe.

Todays industrial production at Tjeldbergodden creates significant values, both in the shape of skilled employment and income, both locally, regionally and nationally.

From being a region which was traditionally centred around activities such as farming and fishing, the industrial plants at Tjeldbergodden have been a strong contributor to lifting and developing the industrial competence in the region.

The region which Tjeldbergodden is part of, has long traditions within process-industry. Hydro Aluminium at Sunndal, Wacker Chemicals Norway in Hemne and Elkem Thamshavn at Orkanger are good examples of this. The natural resources such as renewable energy and good conditions for shipping are important reasons for the strong industrial position of the region.

With the good access to resources and industrial competence, Tjeldbergodden is also well suited as testing ground for industrial pilot projects and innovative processes. Several test projects have been successfully carried out throughout the years and new, exciting industrial pilot projects are currently being carried out.