Industrial Telemark

The development of modern industry in Norway started in Telemark. The power of the waterways was converted into electricity, and major process industries flourished along the industrial axis of Rjukan-Notodden-Porsgrunn. Norsk Hydro’s production of artificial fertiliser initially, and other products in later years, has played an exceptionally important role in supporting the welfare state that Norway is today.

For centuries, the waterways of Telemark have been a necessary source of power and energy which has formed the basis of industry in the county of Telemark. Two major watercourses meet at Ulefoss. Consequently, industry, such as mining, ironworks and brickworks, has been of importance here ever since 1653.

Nowadays industry is primarily based in Porsgrunn and Bamble, wth Norsk Hydro being based on the island of Herøya and major petrochemical plants at Rafnes.

As a result of systematic co-operation through the Telemark Gassforum network, a new era is dawning in Telemark and the Eastern part of Norway through the establishment of a new gas pipeline to the district of Grenland. The gas will supply raw materials for heavy and light industry in the South-Eastern part of Norway, and to Herøya and Slagentangen. This will enable Norway to regain the position as a leading energy nation, at the forefront of innovation and technology.