Investment decision made for Western Norway’s first large-scale solar power plant

The solar energy company Endra has recently made the investment decision to develop HIM Solar Power Plant. The project is Norway’s first large-scale solar power plant on a landfill site, and the very first major solar power plant in Western Norway. In June 2024, the project received a 30-year operating permit from NVE and is now being prepared for construction in spring 2025.

“The investment decision to build HIM Solar Power Plant represents a significant milestone for Endra. Through this project, we have already built – and will continue to build – highly valuable expertise and experience in developing large-scale, ground-mounted solar projects. This is crucial for our future growth, both in Norway and across the Nordics,” says Kristian Gautesen, CEO of Endra.

From landfill to renewable energy

-HIM Solar Power Plant is in many ways a pioneering project, as it is being built on a ‘grey area,’ which means minimal impact on nature while enabling further use of land with few alternative purposes for renewable energy production. During the project development and construction phase, we will also be testing technical solutions and implementation methods that will provide us with valuable lessons and help reduce costs in future large-scale projects, says Gautesen.

Local project with national significance

Electrification and green industrial development in Norway will require large amounts of power in the years to come. The Norwegian government has set a target of producing 8 TWh of solar power by 2030. HIM Solar Power Plant will be an important step for the industry towards developing large-scale, ground-mounted solar power plants in Norway.

– That Norwegian authorities want to make a significant commitment to domestic solar power is positive, but we still have a long way to go before reaching the production target that has been set. Endra wants to take the lead within our industry towards this goal, and the investment in HIM Solar Power Plant is an important first step on that journey, says Gautesen.

The project also creates opportunities for Norwegian suppliers, and Sørlandet-based SJ Sol was recently awarded the contract for construction and installation of the power plant. This will be their largest project to date.

– This shows that Norwegian expertise and technology can compete at the top level in renewable energy. By investing in and collaborating with Norwegian suppliers, we help create jobs, promote innovation, and strengthen Norway’s position as a leading player in the green transition. Together with SJ Sol, we are not only ensuring high quality in the project, but also sustainable value creation that benefits both the local community and the wider economy, says Gautesen.

Solar power important for the energy mix

Endra will develop, own, and operate large-scale solar power plants in the Nordics and is owned by the Haugaland Kraft Group.

– HIM Solar Power Plant is in line with the Group’s strategy to contribute to increased renewable power production. To meet the growing demand for electricity and strengthen energy security in the future, we must facilitate a diversified energy mix where solar power will play a significant role. The project will provide substantial learning effects, testing, and technology development for use in future large-scale projects both in Norway and across the Nordics, says Pablo Barrera, CEO of Haugaland Kraft.

HIM Solar Power Plant is a project with strong local roots in the region, both through local ownership and its location in Vindafjord municipality, just a short drive from Endra’s headquarters.

– Even though we as a company are developing projects across the Nordics and in the Nordic power market, it is particularly exciting that the first power plant we are realizing is located in our own region, concludes Gautesen.

Information about HIM Solar Power Plant

• Endra has been granted a permit to build, own, and operate HIM Solar Power Plant with an installed capacity of up to 3 MWp. The solar power plant will be able to cover the total electricity consumption of around 115 households. The planned area is approximately 40 decares and consists of a closed landfill at Haugalandet Intermunicipal Environmental Plant at Toraneset in Vindafjord.
• The area where HIM Solar Power Plant will be built is a so-called “grey area,” a collective term that can include anything from abandoned industrial sites, gravel pits, old quarries, landfills, and undeveloped business parks.
• Endra submitted a detailed plan for HIM Solar Power Plant to NVE in November 2024, which is now under review. Construction work will commence shortly after the detailed plan is approved, hopefully before the end of Q1 2025.