Rogaland County Council has awarded NOK 9.38 million to 13 projects through the Sustainable transition in Rogaland (Bærekraftig omstilling i Rogaland) scheme. The decision, taken on 4 September, signals clear momentum for companies that want to develop, test and scale solutions in a region known for energy expertise, maritime competence and practical collaboration.
For international companies considering a foothold in Norway, the message is straightforward. Rogaland is investing in concrete projects that cut emissions, strengthen skills and build the infrastructure that modern industry needs. The grant scheme itself is also a draw. It provides targeted co-funding and a predictable way into a well-organised innovation environment.
The grant is a political commitment to accelerate real projects that matter for industry and communities,” says Cato Lassen, advisor at Rogaland County Council. “We prioritise initiatives that cut emissions, use resources smarter and strengthen the skills base the region needs. The goal is clear: support good projects, reduce barriers and help companies move from plans to delivery.
Why this matters for market entry
Many of today’s investment cases hinge on finding the right ecosystem. Rogaland offers deep energy and maritime know-how, strong public–private networks and a track record of industrial delivery. With this round, two industrial symbiosis initiatives stand out. Both speak directly to the enquiries Invest in Rogaland receives from international operators who want to be part of circular value chains.
“We see growing interest from companies that want to plug into an industrial symbiosis loop rather than stand alone,” says Rita Østbø Stobbs, investment manager at Invest in Rogaland. “They are looking for places where by-products become inputs, where energy and materials flow across sites, and where local authorities and partners help connect the dots. Rogaland fits that brief.”
At Haugaland Industry Park, Norway’s largest ready-to-build industrial site, the project From waste to resource will strengthen circular dialogue and provide practical guidance for industry. “Companies choose locations that reduce risk and unlock synergies,” says Tiril Fjeld, CEO of Haugaland Industry Park. “Our role is to make it easier to connect resources, infrastructure and partners. This grant helps us move from good intentions to concrete collaboration and the development of new business cases.”
In Hå municipality, the Sirevåg industrial symbiosis project will assess a pipeline-based loop between a planned post-smolt facility, biogas production and the return of digestate as organic fertiliser. The concept links aquaculture, renewable energy and agriculture in one local system. For investors, the value is clear. Less waste, lower transport, shared infrastructure and more predictable inputs.
The awarded projects:
About the scheme
Sustainable transition in Rogaland supports projects that reduce emissions and improve resource efficiency, as well as initiatives that build the skills and workforce the region needs. Awards are typically up to NOK 1 million per project. The scheme is anchored in Rogaland’s strategies for clean energy and maritime future, food, and tourism and experiences, and in the regional competence plan.
Read more about the grant scheme here.
What this signals to investors
Taken together, the awards show a region moving from strategy to shovel-ready practice. Circular models are being translated into site-specific solutions at Haugaland Industry Park and in Sirevåg. Offshore wind and subsea projects point to depth in ocean industries. Training and inclusion programmes strengthen the pipeline of qualified people. For companies weighing a Norwegian location, the pattern is consistent. Rogaland pairs industrial scale with a collaborative, solution-oriented culture where circularity comes with partners, infrastructure and timelines attached.
Haugaland Industry Park