The new zoning proposal for Näsudden in Skelleftehamn was a prerequisite for Wibax to obtain approval for its plans to produce sodium bisulfite at the site.
The first application for the factory was submitted in December 2019. Since then, there have been many twists and turns regarding Wibax's plans for the factory in the former oil port, which is now part of the Port of Skellefteå, Norra hamnen.
The municipality of Skellefteå had to change the detailed development plan for the area in order for the factory to be built.
Skellefteå unicipality adopted a detailed development plan for Näsudden in June 2002. The main purpose was to expand and renew parts of the port area, the Port of Skellefteå, and to provide space for industrial activities. The plan came into force at the beginning of 2023.
Wibax's application relates to an expansion of the company's existing operations at the site, as well as an expansion to include the production, storage and shipping of sodium bisulfite.
Wibax currently supplies sulphur dioxide from Boliden Rönnskär to customers throughout Sweden who produce their own sodium bisulphite.
In its application, the company stated that it sees advantages in being able to purchase ready-made sodium bisulfite instead of producing it itself. Wibax sees this as a business opportunity. "By transporting sodium bisulfite, there is a reduction in road transport of sulfur dioxide, which should be considered a risk reduction," Wibax wrote in its application.
Wibax already has operations at what is now called the Port of Skellefteå, Norra hamnen, which is part of Näsudden.
The raw materials needed to produce sodium bisulfite are sulfur dioxide and sodium hydroxide. Sulfur dioxide can be very hazardous to health, according to the county board, which stated: "Due to the preventive and damage-limiting measures taken by the company and the conditions imposed, the environmental assessment delegation considers that the company has minimized the risks of sulfur dioxide emissions."
The final product, sodium bisulfite, is considered to be a stable substance with no major health risks.
Prior to commencing production of sodium bisulfite, the decision requires the company to ensure that an alarm is in place that is loud enough to warn the public and nearby residential and recreational areas in the event of a sulfur dioxide emission.
As Norran recently reported, Wibax is also planning a billion-euro investment in Skelleftehamn in the form of chemical production for water purification.