Growth in green consulting

“It’s increasingly important for our clients that we can provide consultants for sustainable projects,” says Department Manager Jorunn Wathne Løhaugen.

Boliden AB, the world’s third-largest zinc producer, operates Boliden Odda, which currently employs 360 people. The company is investing nearly NOK 11 billion to significantly increase zinc production while transforming its smelter into the greenest of its kind globally. The project includes constructing a new electrolysis hall, a sulfuric acid plant, a roasting facility, a dedicated power plant, and extensive digitalization of the facilities. Omega 365 consultants are actively contributing to this ambitious initiative.

The Green Zinc project aims to increase annual production capacity from 200,000 to 350,000 tons—a 75% boost. 

“This expansion will strengthen our position as a zinc producer, especially as we modernize and digitalize our production. It’s a forward-thinking approach,” says Karl Ystanes, HR and Communications Manager at GZO, Boliden Odda.

Sustainable solutions

Ystanes emphasizes the crucial role of Omega 365’s expertise and consultants throughout the project lifecycle. 

“They’ve been involved across planning, procurement, Document Management, HSE, security, piping, and various technical disciplines. The goal has always been to help Boliden manage greater production volumes while implementing sustainable and green changes,” he explains.

Reflecting on the industry's evolution, Ystanes highlights significant milestones: “In the 1950s, environmental concerns weren’t a priority. By the 70s and 80s, awareness grew, leading to major clean-up efforts across the sector. We transitioned to safer storage in mountain depots and moved toward emission-free production. Since the 2000s, we’ve experienced a major green shift. Our reliance on hydropower instead of coal is a key advantage. Looking ahead, we can further increase production, but it will require skilled people. The consultants from Omega 365 have been instrumental—they’ve embraced the challenges of working at Norway’s only zinc smelter with ease.”

Boliden Odda is investing nearly NOK 11 billion to significantly increase zinc production while transforming its smelter into the greenest of its kind globally.

Key projects

Løhaugen highlights the increasing number of green projects on Omega 365 Consulting’s client list, noting that many consultants are drawn to sustainability-focused projects.

“Boliden is a major project for us right now, and we’ve been warmly welcomed in Odda. Boliden does a great job of supporting team members who join their projects. Omega 365 Solutions was already involved with Pims and Omega 365 products before we started supplying consultants, so we were familiar with the project from the outset,” she explains.

Løhaugen sees clear growth in the green sector.

“Oil and gas remain important, but many of our consultants are eager to gain experience and skills from greener projects. They want sustainable projects on their résumés,” she adds.

A future-focused approach

In addition to Boliden, Løhaugen points to the Northern Lights project, a pioneering initiative for CO₂ storage on the Norwegian continental shelf. This project is a key component of the government’s “Longship” initiative, a full-scale carbon capture, transport, and storage program targeting industrial emissions.

“This is another example of a future-oriented project where environmental benefits are central,” she says.

“We’re also working with several traditional clients transitioning into offshore wind. It’s natural for us to support them through this phase and provide essential expertise. With groundbreaking technology on the horizon, staying ahead will be critical.”

The Department Manager at Omega 365 Consulting, Jorunn Wathne Løhaugen, observes that more and more consultants want to work on green projects.