Installation of the world's northernmost power station for fish farming – Off-grid solution with Victron Energy

How an autonomous power system for communication and safety in Northern Norway was built with solar energy, battery bank, and Victron technology.

Along the rugged and wild coast of Northern Norway, fish farming is a major industry. Here, the fjords are deep, the mountains high, and civilization far away. Salmon farmers operate from rafts that often lack access to electricity and the internet – and where communication occurs via weak and intermittent radio signals.

The key to better communication is to place masts in strategic locations, often on mountaintops, to create a clear line of sight between the relay stations and down to the raft in the fjord. The problem? These mountaintops are extremely remote and lack connection to the power grid – sometimes they are even offshore.

To increase safety and efficiency, a completely new communication infrastructure was needed.

The electronics engineers at AB Elektro were commissioned to build a standalone node station that could supply power to the transmitters. Ole Aleksander Isaksen from AB Elektro says: "This was a new and exciting project – we had to take on the challenge!"

Requirement: maximum operational reliability

The power station must be completely reliable – a single failure would mean expensive and risky helicopter transport. The Áksonjárga hub is located offshore, west of Magerøya, 10 km from the nearest road and 200 meters above sea level – so steep that it is impossible to reach from the sea side.

Isaksen adds: "We have extensive experience from aquaculture and maritime environments and were familiar with Victron Energy products. We knew we could rely on them for a project like this."

Collaboration with Gylling Teknikk AS

To select the right Victron products, AB Elektro contacted Gylling Teknikk AS. Their technicians impressed with their knowledge and provided support throughout the project – including a personal visit to Alta.

Components of the power station

• Skylla 24/100 Battery Charger x2
• SmartSolar MPPT 250/85 Solar Charge Controller
• Venus GX for system monitoring and communication
• 2 x BMV 712 Battery Monitors
• BlueSmart Battery Charger
• Phoenix Inverter 24/500
• Battery bank: 24V 1200Ah (20 pcs Torrent TRE12-20)
• Backup generator: 6.9 kVA

The result

The installation went smoothly and the station now operates completely autonomously without problems. The customer is so satisfied that a second station has already been ordered. AB Elektro can now proudly say that they deliver electricity where it was previously impossible – with Victron Energy as a partner.