Shape the destiny of Skogmo Industry Park

Skogmo Industry Park is eager to grow, but they are encountering obstacles related to electrical and thermal limitations, freshwater availability, and environmental restrictions. They are seeking for sustainable and affordable solutions, and that's where you come in!

Skogmo Industry Park, situated in northern Trøndelag, includes many different types of companies. In addition to conventional craft and industrial enterprises, the park houses a concrete plant, a grain mill, and even a pharmaceutical company specializing in vaccine production. The potential expansion of the park is presently constrained by limitations in electricity supply (capacity & energy). This challenge could be addressed through improved efficiency measures within the individual companies, and the park as a whole. These measures include enhancing the flexibility of operations, implementing energy-saving practices, establishing localized energy production (e.g. solar & wind), and incorporating electrical storage solutions. To address the specific requirements of processes that rely on heat or cold, Skogmo is also considering thermal systems (e.g. solar-thermal) and storage.

Recent years also have witnessed shortages of fresh water, including firefighting water, leading to temporary halts in the operations of individual companies. Anticipating future occurrences like rising energy costs, water shortage, and power disruptions, it becomes important for Skogmo to factor in security of supply/risk analyses while planning its expansion. Moreover, the park is looking into ways to save money, like sharing energy in new ways and having different companies work together as a group (circular economy), combining their investments and day-to-day work.

Relevant competency

All students are welcome, irrespective of their backgrounds. We take everyone from engineering (electrical, mechanical, heat, processes, automation, IT, water, geology…), architecture, social sciences, marketing, literature, politics, biology, medicine, law… - important is that you are interested in the topic and may contribute to solve Skogmo’s future. The focus is not necessarily on doing an energy analysis, but can also be social (How to involve all companies in the park to participate in such a project?) or economic (What is the risk/loss of money not producing one week against investing in e.g. storage). Project ideas are generated within your group in the course.
Groups will be divided keeping a balance of potential perspectives in mind.

About the village

The village collaborates with external partners, e.g. companies in Skogmo Industry Park or municipalities. Measured data for e.g. energy consumption is available in high resolution.

For further reading:

• Skogmo Industripark
• Framtidsretta Industripark
• Earlier EiT with Skogmo
• NTNU students at Skogmo
• Vanningsforbud i Overhalla

Some basic rules for the village are:

• Each group will independently define their topic/project in the village.
• Every idea is welcome if it fits into the village topic.
• The project can e.g. be of societal, technical, environmental or economic nature.
• You can build prototypes, invent new ideas/games/marketing, improve existing systems, or do something completely unexpected.

How do I register for EiT?