Written by: Katrin Haram
Isfjord Radio is a radio station build in 1933 which today has become a travel destination with essential technical functions, Store Norske aims to adapt the facilities to use renewable energy.
“This is the first step in establishing Isfjor Radio as a pilot for emission-free hybrid energy solutions to an off-grid arctic community. The first phase is expected to be half the diesel consumption, with the long-term goal to achieve a 100% renewable solution” Guttorm Nygård, leader for energy investment in Store Norske.
Today there are about 200 000 liters of diesel consumed by Isfjord Radio annually; halving diesel consumption would therefore be highly meaningful.
Before the summer, a battery system and thermal storage till will be installed while solar panels on the roof and façade will be installed in 2022, permitted by the local administrator. The results of the assessment process for the project will be completed in 2021.
“We develop Store Norske as an energy company, and the project at Isfjord Radio is a central part of this work. This is a demanding project, and we have worked thoroughly, with good support from Multiconsult, to learn as much as possible from the process to do the same in other locations much more effectively. Simultaneously we will produce a facility where we can test and verify the effects of renewable energy solutions in the Arctic.” Nygård
Kverneland Energi is mainly responsible for the battery pack, solar panels, and the control system, while Assemblin builds the thermic storage.
“We have had a thorough purchasing process for the project, and I am delighted with having landed on Kverneland Energi and Assemblin. I also think that it’s exciting with local actors such as Assemblin to reach the same service level of businesses on the mainland. This is a good starting point to build competence around Store Norske to build multiple systems in the future” Geir Ove Ropphaugen, leader of the project of Isfjord Radio.
