Statoil Sets Up Infrastructure Company For Snohvit Development In The Barents Sea

An infrastructure company is being set up in Hammerfest with Statoil support to lay the basis for industrial development related to the group's Snohvit development in the Barents Sea.

Called Barents NaturEnergi, the new enterprise will focus on opportunities for commercial utilization of energy products such as coolant and heated water and natural gas. It is intended to be a prime mover for establishing new activity in the far northern county of Finnmark, and for adopting forward-looking, environmentally friendly technology. Another goal is to create a regional gas company, and Barents NaturEnergi will study opportunities for gas distribution in the Barents region. "This venture is based on a very good collaboration between its owners, local business interests and politicians," says Kare Haaland, head of business development in Statoil's industrial development unit.

The group has a 30 percent shareholding, with Hammerfest local authority, Hammerfest Naeringsinvest, Siva and the Hammerfest Elverk power utility as the other owners.

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