Doubles the production of solar energy

24 April 2023

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When the last solar panels are installed next week, FFS will be self-sufficient in electricity at the workshop and base - and be able to cover 80 percent of the shore power for its own boats.

Fitters from Tratec Teknikken are here installing solar cells on the roof of the warehouse building next to the workshop. (Drone photo: Daniel Hovden)

Text: Sveinung W. Jensen, Tellus Kommunikasjon

- We have now come a long way in being climate neutral as a company. Besides, there is economics in this. In the long term, the solar plant will be cost-saving, says John W. Nilsen, general manager of FFS.

Last summer, nearly two-thirds of the factory roof in Lundevågen was covered with solar cells. Now power-producing panels have been installed on the rest of the roof. In addition, a completely similar facility is being installed in the warehouse located nearby.

When everything is finished next month, FFS will have well over 1,000 square meters of solar roofs.

- THE FACILITY WANTS a capacity of 290 kilowatts, and could produce 280 megawatts of electricity a year. That corresponds to the average consumption of 14 Norwegian households, says Nilsen.

FFS will produce enough to be able to keep the workshop and base in Lundevågen with electricity. In addition, 80 per cent of the onshore power that the towboats use when they are at their own quay could be self-produced.

- FOR US IS it is very important to be climate neutral. In addition to statutory obligations, we must comply with the environmental certification requirements and meet the expectations of customers, says Nilsen.

The Storting has decided that Norway must be climate neutral from 2030. FFS is well on track to be able to do its part of the job.

- We want to be far ahead. We don't need to be the very best, but have a goal of being among the best in the industry. This means that we are constantly looking at how we can become greener and better. If we see opportunities, we go to great lengths to implement measures, says Nilsen.

SOME PLANT EQUIPMENT have already been replaced by more sustainable varieties. Among other things, diesel trucks and old stationary cranes have been replaced.

Sustainability is also being considered at sea. FFS already has Norway's greenest towboat in its fleet. FFS Athos uses electric motor power to and from the towing missions. It saves the environment from emissions and the customers from costs. The goal is to further rebuild FFS Athos.