TULSA, Okla. – A Norwegian solar energy company will build its first U.S.-based factory in Tulsa, Okla.
NorSun officials announced this week that the company is planning to invest $620 million in a new 5-GW silicon ingot and solar wafer manufacturing facility.
The Oklahoma Department of Commerce and Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust facilitated NorSun’s expansion initiative. The expansion is expected to create 320 new direct jobs and provide domestic production of ingot and wafer capacity, which is critically needed to meet the increasing demand from U.S. solar cell and panel manufacturers, supporting the growth of the renewable energy sector, according to Department of Commerce officials.
“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 of 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 will build the factory on a 60-acre, shovel-ready greenfield location. Construction is anticipated to start n late 2024, subject to approvals, necessary permits and final incentive agreements.
“I’m thrilled to welcome a new company bringing high-quality, high-paying jobs to our community. 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!” said U.S. Congressman Kevin Hern (OK-01).
The company plans to begin production in 2026. It will be one of the first facilities in the nation producing high-performing silicon ingots and wafers, which has been the biggest obstacle in achieving a fully domestic solar supply chain.
NorSun will be able to expand production up to 10 GW as the U.S. continues to prioritize domestic energy manufacturing.
“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 polices, workforce development efforts, and ‘more of everything’ energy approach makes us an incredible state to invest in, and I’m glad NorSun can be a part of it.”
The Department of Commerce announced 88 new and expanding companies in Oklahoma in 2023, each assisted by Commerce, with a potential investment of $3.6 billion. Companies include Pratt & Whitney, American Airlines, Enel, Windshape and Blue Whale Materials. Those investments are expected to lead to at least 7,000 new jobs.
“Year after year, Oklahoma makes massive strides in the clean energy space, with consistent investment from notable companies that are transforming the sector,” said Tina Lindsay, Interim Director of Business Development for Oklahoma Department of Commerce. “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.”
Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum thanked NorSun for investing in Tulsa.
“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,” Bynum said.
Tulsa is becoming a go-to location for industrial development, according to Mike Neal, president and CEO of the Tulsa Regional Chamber.
“Word is spreading – our skilled workforce and excellent business climate puts us front and center on the international stage,” Neal said. “We are excited to welcome NorSun to the region as it connects an important link for the solar industry supply chain.”
“JLL’s David Ross, Meredith O’Connor and Amy Craig led the national site selection process and economic incentive advisory for NorSun. Oklahoma, the City of Tulsa, and Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust were aggressive in their pursuit of this exciting project and put forth an attractive economic package, development-ready site, and workforce partners which compelled NorSun to choose Tulsa, Oklahoma,” said Meredith O’Connor, International Director at JLL.
NorSun, a privately held company which started in 2007, is headquartered in Oslo, Norway, and has around 200 employees. It leads the western hemisphere in production of monocrystalline ingots and wafers for ultra-high efficiency solar cells.
The company seeks 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.
