Our History
Mongstad’s idustrial history began with the construction of the Mongstad oil refinery in 1975. This decision was made during the early years of Norway’s burgeoning oil and gas industry, shortly after the discovery of vast oil fields in the North Sea. The refinery was designed to process crude oil from Norway’s offshore fields, making it an essential part of the country’s oil infrastructure.
The Mongstad refinery, owned and operated by Equinor, has a history marked by significant expansions, upgrades, and a prominent role in Norway’s oil and (formerly Statoil gas industry. The refinery began operations in 1975 and has since become a major hub for processing crude oil from the Norwegian continental shelf, contributing to the nation’s energy supply and economy.
Early years
During its early years, Mongstad Refinery became one of the largest oil refineries in Europe. Its strategic location on the west coast, with access to deep-water ports, allowed it to efficiently transport refined petroleum products to both domestic and international markets. The refinery’s output included gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and other oil products, supporting and contributing to Norway’s economic growth and energy independence.
As Norway’s oil industry expanded, so too did Mongstad’s role. In the late 1980s, a major expansion project was launched to upgrade the refinery’s capabilities, increasing capacity and modernizing equipment. However, the project encountered significant cost overruns, with the budget swelling from NOK 1.9 billion to NOK 6.1 billion.
This became known as the “Mongstad scandal” and led to widespread political controversy, causing Statoil’s leadership to resign. Despite this setback, the expansion was ultimately completed, solidifying Mongstad’s position as a key player in Europe’s energy landscape.
Transformed to a HUB for future energy
Today, Mongstad is still a refinery but also an integrated energy hub. While oil refining remains a central component, the site now also supports renewable energy initiatives, including offshore wind energy. In addition, Mongstad has invested in expanding its port facilities to accommodate the growing demand for logistics and energy-related services. The port’s proximity to Norway’s vast offshore wind resources positions it as a potential key player in the renewable energy supply chain.
In recent decades, Mongstad has become known not only for oil refining but also for innovation in environmental sustainability. One of the most notable developments was the creation of the Mongstad Technology Centre (TCM) in 2012, a state-of-the-art facility for carbon capture and storage (CCS) research. TCM is one of the world’s largest CCS test facilities, a joint venture between Equinor, Shell, and the Norwegian government. Its mission is to develop technologies to reduce CO2 emissions from industrial sources, aligning with global climate goals and Norway’s commitment to carbon neutrality.
This pioneering work has placed Mongstad at the forefront of energy transition efforts. The research conducted at TCM has provided valuable insights into the viability of large-scale CCS projects, positioning Mongstad as a hub for environmental technology and sustainable energy solutions.
As the world transitions towards cleaner energy, Mongstad is well-positioned to continue playing a vital role in Norway’s energy future., Mongstad exemplifies the dynamic and forward-thinking spirit that has defined Norway’s approach to energy development.