Norwegian solar energy specialist NorSun has officially announced a landmark $620 million investment to build its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The 5 GW plant will be constructed on a 60-acre, development-ready site near the Tulsa International Airport, marking a significant step toward bolstering the domestic solar supply chain.
Addressing a Critical Supply Chain Gap with NorSun Announces $620M 5GW Solar Plant in Tulsa, Oklahoma
The facility is set to become one of the first in the United States dedicated to producing high-performance monocrystalline silicon ingots and wafers, which are crucial for making ultra-high efficiency solar cells. While the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has spurred a wave of solar module assembly plants, the U.S. has remained reliant on imports for these essential upstream components. NorSun’s project directly tackles this primary bottleneck in achieving a fully American-made solar panel.
Project Timeline and Economic Impact of NorSun Announces $620M 5GW Solar Plant in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Construction on the Tulsa plant is scheduled to commence in late 2024, with production slated to begin in 2026. The initial phase is expected to create 320 high-quality local jobs, and NorSun has indicated the site has potential for future expansion to 10 GW of production capacity. The project was facilitated through a partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and the Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust.
Oklahoma Chosen for its Pro-Business Climate: NorSun Announces $620M 5GW Solar Plant in Tulsa, Oklahoma
State and local leaders lauded the announcement as a testament to Oklahoma’s strategic advantages. “Our pro-growth policies, workforce development initiatives, and comprehensive energy strategy make Oklahoma an outstanding state for investment,” said Governor Kevin Stitt. “I’m delighted that NorSun is joining us.”
NorSun CEO Erik Løkke-Øwre affirmed the choice, stating, “Oklahoma impressed us from the start with its strong clean energy and manufacturing ecosystem, as well as its workforce development programs. The state’s competitive business offerings and site acceleration options solidified our decision.”
A Boost for U.S. Solar Manufacturing: NorSun Announces $620M 5GW Solar Plant in Tulsa, Oklahoma
The new plant represents a significant win for Oklahoma’s growing clean energy sector and the broader push for domestic solar manufacturing. “I am grateful to NorSun for their substantial investment and commitment to increasing jobs in Tulsa, while also creating opportunities that meet global industry demands,” said Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum. U.S. Congressman Kevin Hern added, “Tulsa is a hub where innovation and excellence flourish, and NorSun will thrive here.”
Sources
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