(Adds reaction from Petroleum Safety Authority)

A fire broke out during the afternoon of December 2 at the compressor house of Equinor's methanol plant in Tjeldbergodden on Norway's coast, the company reported, noting that there were no injuries.

The Norwegian Petroleum Safety Authority told NGW December 3 it would be investigating the fire. "We're working on the mandate just now. Obviously, we regard the incident as very serious. We'll have a meeting with Equinor today to get more information on the incident," it said in an email.

The fire was reported at 14:40 and was put out an hour later. Emergency services and the police were dispatched to the scene, and personnel were evacuated. Equinor said it was evaluating the consequences and cause of the fire.

The Tjeldbergodden plant has been operating since 1997 and produces up to 900,000 metric tons/year of methanol from gas supplied from the Heidrun field. It accounts for around 25% of Europe's total methanol production and about 10% of its consumption. Equinor has a 82% stake in the facility, while ConocoPhillips has 18%.

The latest incident comes after a fire occurred at Equinor's Hammerfest LNG terminal in late September. Norwegian safety authorities found "serious breaches" of regulations at the facility, which is not expected to resume production until October 2021.