Students got to experience Årdal's green future possibilities

Apr. 24

What happens when students get to experience industry, technology and nature up close – with the local community and green solutions as the connecting link?

This week, students from Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL) had a comprehensive encounter with Årdal and the green future opportunities that lie in the interaction between industry, expertise, society and nature. Together with key players in business and social development, we were shown the breadth of Årdal and how collaboration is crucial to successful strategic development in the region.

From local history to industry in practice

The day began at the waterfront and Klingenberg Resort, with an introduction to Årdal's development from an agricultural community to a modern industrial city. The students also got to visit the cornerstone company, Norsk Hydro, where graduate ambassadors shared their experiences working in the process industry and technology.

In the training factory in Årdal Technology Park, Sogn Training Office, together with apprentices, provided practical stations. Here, the students got to experience how process control, production and technology work in practice – and the connection between professional competence and industrial value creation.

Årdal as a community, a place of expertise and a future place to live

A central part of the visit was about Årdal as a community and a place to live. Årdal Utvikling and Sogn Kompetanse presented the work on strategic development plans for Årdal and the region, with particular emphasis on competence investment, study centers, entrepreneurship, relocation and future opportunities.

Two tracks: nature, sustainability and green industry

The afternoon was divided into two parallel tracks, based on the students' academic interests:

🌿 National park management and sustainability , with insight into management, dissemination and interaction between nature and society at the National Park Center in Utladalen.
♻️ Green industry and the transition from traditional industry to bio- and circular solutions , with a focus on the utilization of waste heat, residual energy and new value chains. This included company visits to Impec AS and FjordAlg AS.

Thank you for your cooperation and commitment.

We would like to express our great gratitude to the University College of Western Norway, led by John Torjus Eriksen and John OH Brekke, for the initiative for the visit – and look forward to further collaboration in 2027.

Thanks also to all partners and contributors who made the day possible, and not least to the engaged students who asked good questions and showed great interest in Årdal's future.