05.05.2025
The Potatoes at TCM
They are two of the wheels that keep administration and operations at Technology Centre Mongstad (TCM) running smoothly. Gøril Nyhammer-Haugen and Jorun Hovda each play an important role in the organization, but their tasks often overlap in daily work.
Like potatoes – they can be used for almost anything, and that’s precisely what makes them indispensable.
For Gøril, the desire for new challenges led her to TCM. After 15 years at the same workplace, she was ready for a change. A job listing caught her attention, and by the summer of 2024, she had joined TCM as an Office Administrator.
Jorun, on the other hand, has been with TCM much longer. She started in 2013 as a hired consultant and has been permanently employed as a Project Controller since January 1, 2024. “My workdays are varied and fun,” she says, emphasizing how great it has been to have Gøril join the team.
Gøril (left) and Jorun always start the day with a little pep talk — a routine that sets the tone for the rest of the workday.
Daily Life at TCM
A typical day for Gøril consists of a range of administrative tasks. She coordinates visits, orders refreshments for meetings, sends agreements for signing, creates Teams channels, monitors shared inboxes, and even waters the plants. “I’m a little bit everywhere,” she says with a laugh.
Jorun, for her part, works with cost tracking, monthly reporting, financial follow-up of projects, budgeting, and procurement-related tasks, but the two work closely together on a daily basis. They always start the day with a little pep talk – a routine that sets the tone for the rest of the workday.
Exciting Experiences
Both appreciate the international environment at TCM, even though it sometimes presents language challenges. Gøril admits she was nervous about speaking English again after many years but has found her own solution: “I prefer to speak Norwegian, and several colleagues are learning the language along with me!”
Among the most memorable experiences, Jorun highlights Crown Prince Haakon’s visit to Mongstad in March last year. “I served him coffee with both hands – just to make sure I didn’t spill,” she says with a smile. “It was a big day with a lot of preparation, but everything went smoothly.”
Name: Jorun Iren Hovda (47)
Marital status: Has a partner, three children, and three grandchildren
From: Austrheim
Job: Project Controller
Education: Two-year degree in Economics and Administration from Sogn og Fjordane University College
Work experience: Customer service representative at Sparebanken Vest, Financial Consultant in the former Lindås municipality, Consultant at a local shipping company in Austrheim. Control Coordinator at TCM 2013–2024, and Project Controller 2024–present.
Good at: Teamwork
Dislikes: Ingratitude
Hobbies: Handicrafts, working out, hiking
Dreams of: Living in my own little château in France 😊
CO2 Capture and the Core Mission
As administrative staff, they are not directly involved in technology testing, but both see the value of TCM’s work. “Carbon capture is an important part of the solution to climate change,” says Gøril. “Even if I don’t understand all the technical details, I know we are contributing to a better future.”
Jorun agrees. She finds that many in the local community are familiar with the facility and its activities, often referring to it as the so-called “moon landing.” “I often have to explain that we have actually helped develop technologies that are now being used at full scale for CO2 capture.”
Job Satisfaction and Frustrations
What gives them the most energy at work? For Gøril, it’s about getting things done. “When I can check tasks off my list, I’m satisfied. And, of course, my colleagues!”
Jorun appreciates the well-established routinesthat ensure everything runs smoothly. At the same time, she finds it frustrating when complex regulations make processes unnecessarily cumbersome.
Name: Gøril Marie Nyhammer-Haugen (48)
Marital status: Married, two children, and one grandchild
From: Originally from Alversund in Alver municipality, now living in Eidsnes
Job: Office Administrator
Education: Vocational diploma in Office and Administration.
Work experience: Worked in healthcare and social services in former Lindås municipality from 1999 to 2004. Production assistant and personnel officer at WesternGeco from 2006 to 2009. Office assistant at Mongstadbase, harbor and logistics, from 2009 to 2015, and accounting assistant at the same place from 2015 to 2024. Office Administrator at TCM from June 2024 – present.
Good at: Seeing others, being attentive
Cannot stand: People being treated poorly, injustice
Hobbies: Skiing, hiking, working out
Dreams of: A long life with good health 😊
Flowers for Good Colleagues
If they were to give a flower to a colleague, the choice would be easy. Gøril would give hers to Jorun: “She is always positive, helps me with everything, and has answers to most questions. Everyone should have a Jorun!”
Jorun, in turn, would give flowers to Sara in the cafeteria and Linda, who handles cleaning. “They do a fantastic job in making this place a pleasant environment.”
Recharging the Batteries
To unwind after busy workdays, both turn to nature. Gøril loves going for walks, preferably with an audiobook in her ears. Jorun does much of the same. Both have recently become grandparents and thoroughly enjoy spending time with the little ones.
Dreams and Future Plans
Gøril dreams of traveling more. “Italy, France, the Alps – I want to experience new places,” she says. And, of course, she looks forward to spending time with her grandchild.
Jorun also has the travel bug. “This year, we are planning a trip to Northern Norway. But I wouldn’t say no to a getaway to warmer climates either,” she adds with a smile.
Together, they aim to keep the wheels turning at TCM. They are flexible, solution-oriented, and always ready to step up – and they can take on just about anything, just like the potato.