Oljeön
In 1852, kerosene was invented in the USA, marking the first oil product that could be produced on a large scale. Lamp oils, especially kerosene, introduced new and powerful light sources.
The environmental dangers of oil were not considered at the time.
Amidst the historical mines and blast furnaces of Bergslagen, one might not expect to find an oil refinery. Yet, on the small island of Oljeön, near Ängelsberg railway station on Lake Åmänningen, an oil refinery operated for 51 years, starting in 1876.
The initiative came from August Ålund, who was born in Örebro but later moved to Stockholm, where an oil refinery was being established on Reimersholme. It produced kerosene from imported oil from the USA.
“Why not start an oil refinery?” Ålund wondered. There was high demand for kerosene and other oil products, yet only two refineries existed in Sweden.
Eight years later, in 1871, after experimenting with a pilot plant at Molnebo Works in Hjulmyra, Ålund contacted a former employer, Engelsbergs Bruk. At one of the estate’s properties, Annelund, he was allowed to build a small factory to produce machine oil and lamp oil.
August Ålund put his heart and soul into the factory. However, just as sales began, disaster struck. A severe thunderstorm swept over the property, and lightning struck the factory. The entire facility burned down, forcing August, with his clothes ablaze, to throw himself into the lake to save his life.
After the accident, August realized that such a fire-hazardous facility as an oil refinery should be located on an uninhabited island, minimizing the risk of harm to others.
In Lake Åmänningen, there was an island that seemed like the perfect location for an oil factory. It offered docking access for cargo ships and was still relatively close to the mainland and the railway station.
By 1874, everything was ready. August’s brother Ferdinand came to help him build the factory. It was an intense year on the island, with carpenters, builders, masons, and stoneworkers working tirelessly to complete the new facility.
Just one year later, inspections by state authorities were complete, and the necessary permits were granted. Production of gas oil, kerosene, and lubricating oil began.
In the following years, products such as hat varnish, paint, and oils for weapons, shoes, and leather were also sold. By the late 19th century, demand was so high that the factory had to be expanded. However, August did not live to see this development. In 1882, his health began to decline, and a year later, he died from complications of kidney inflammation and a brain clot.
Oil refining on Oljeön ceased in 1902, but the sale of lubricants and greases continued for another 25 years.
Facts
An island near Ängelsberg with the world’s oldest preserved oil refinery, established in 1875. In the 1890s, eight families and a few bachelors lived on the island. A worker barracks has been preserved.
Guided tours can be booked through the Fagersta tourist office outside of the regular summer schedule. The boat Petrolia departs from the dock near Ängelsberg station.
