The investment into Tulsa will
create more than 320 jobs, announces the Oklahoma Department of
Commerce
OKLAHOMA
CITY, June 25, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ --
Norwegian solar energy company NorSun has selected Tulsa, Oklahoma, for its first U.S.-based
factory, an initial planned investment of $620 million in a new 5 GW silicon ingot and
solar wafer manufacturing facility. The expansion, which was
facilitated by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and Tulsa
Airports Improvement Trust, will create 320 new direct jobs and
provide critically needed domestic production of ingot and wafer
capacity to meet the increasing demand from U.S. solar cell and
panel manufacturers, supporting the growth of the renewable energy
sector.
"I'm thrilled that Oklahomans will benefit
from hundreds of new jobs and a $620M
capital investment. Our pro-growth policies, workforce development,
and 'more of everything' energy approach make us an incredible
state to invest in. I'm glad NorSun can be a part of it," said
Governor Kevin Stitt.
"Our business plan has an ambitious timeline, so we knew we
needed a partner who can work fast and efficiently to meet the
critical need for American-made energy," said NorSun CEO
Erik Løkke-Øwre. "Oklahoma impressed us even before our
selection journey – its robust clean energy, manufacturing
ecosystem and workforce development programs were already on our
radar, and its competitive business offerings and site acceleration
options solidified our decision."
NorSun has identified a greenfield shovel-ready site of
approximately 60 acres. Construction is expected to begin in late
2024, subject to approvals, necessary permits and final incentive
agreements.
"I'm proud to welcome NorSun to Oklahoma, and I'm thrilled that Oklahomans
will benefit from hundreds of new jobs in the Tulsa area and a $620
million capital investment," said Governor Kevin Stitt. "Our pro-growth policies, workforce
development efforts, and 'more of everything' energy approach make
us an incredible state to invest in, and I'm glad NorSun can be a
part of it."
Production is anticipated to come online in 2026, making the
Oklahoma facility among the first
in the U.S. to produce high-performing silicon ingots and wafers,
currently the biggest bottleneck in achieving a fully domestic
solar supply chain. The Tulsa site
offers an opportunity to further expand production up to 10 GW as
the U.S. continues to prioritize domestic energy manufacturing.
"Year after year, Oklahoma
makes massive strides in the clean energy space, with consistent
investment from notable companies that are transforming the
sector," said Interim Director of Business Development for the
Oklahoma Department of Commerce Tina Lindsay. "It's a testament to
our pro-business policies, robust workforce, site readiness, as
well as our access to major markets. We're thrilled to bring NorSun
on board as we aim to scale U.S. solar manufacturing capacity."
In 2023, there were a total of 88 announcements for
Commerce-assisted new and expanding companies statewide with a
potential investment of $3.6 billion,
including Pratt & Whitney, American Airlines, Enel, Windshape
and Blue Whale Materials. These projects are expected to create at
least 7,000 new jobs.
"I'm thrilled to welcome a new company bringing high-quality,
high-paying jobs to our community," said U.S. Congressman
Kevin Hern. "Innovation and
excellence thrive in Tulsa, and so
will NorSun. Thank you to Governor Stitt for working to make
Oklahoma the best place to do
business!"
"I want to thank NorSun for their significant investment and
support in adding jobs in Tulsa
and creating further opportunities for industry needs across the
globe," said Tulsa Mayor
G.T. Bynum. "This project represents
the work of so many and we are excited about the positive impact
and direction this new development will have in Tulsa and the State
of Oklahoma."
About NorSun AS
NorSun has, since its startup in 2007, been the leading western
producer of monocrystalline ingots and wafers for ultra-high
efficiency solar cells. Wafer production at the NorSun factory in
the village of Årdal, Norway, is
based on hydroelectric power, and the company is widely recognized
for its high-performance products with minimal CO2 footprint and
with the highest standards in corporate environmental and social
responsibility. NorSun's strategy is to capitalize on the extreme
growth in the PV industry and capture a leading market share in the
ingot and wafer part of the PV value chain. The company is
headquartered in Oslo with
production facilities in Årdal on the western coast of Norway and employs around 200 employees.
NorSun is privately held. http://www.norsun.no.
Media Contact
Claudia Velasquez, Violet PR,
8627039202, claudia@violetpr.com
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