THE ROLE OF SNOW WHITE FIELD IN SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF CITY HAMMERFEST

Abstract

The present article addresses the local and regional impact of oil and gas activities entering the Norwegian periphery. It demonstrates and analyses Hammerfest case within the framework of Norwegian development. The paper explores the changes in social and economic development of the town during the Snow White exploitation and the construction of the first european LNG (liquefied natural gas) plant at Melkoya as well as all the supporting infrustructure during 2002-2008. Particular attention is paid to the impact of the above-mentioned factors on the local supplies’ position, employment structure, demography, taxation policy and and local wellfare. The article also addresses the theories concerning the oil and gas sector’s role in building new economic growth poles outside already established economic centers.

Keywords

• Snow White gas field
• LNG plant
• Hammerfest
• oil and gas sector
• growth pole
• evolution center