The Minister of Trade and Industry seeks advice from entrepreneurs and startups nationwide

*Input meeting at Mesh in Oslo, 1^st of March 2024.*

The Minister of Trade and Industry seeks advice from entrepreneurs and startups nationwide

On a quest to make Norway the best country in the world to start and run a business, Minister of Trade and Industry Jan Christian Vestre is turning to the nation’s entrepreneurs and startups for advice. Energy Valley seized the opportunity – on Friday 1^st of March, representative Ola Thorud Jacobsen shared our perspectives on the main challenges and proposed some measures.

Vestre is hosting input meetings nationwide, seeking concrete advice and input from entrepreneurs and startups. These consultations will inform the government’s forthcoming parliamentary white paper on entrepreneurship and startups, slated for release in 2024. By engaging directly with entrepreneurs, Vestre hopes to address key challenges and foster closer collaboration between the public and private sectors.

Energy Valley and startup representative, Ola Thorud Jacobsen, presented several challenges and measurements, such as access to capital, skills, regulations and bureaucracy, and support for green transition.

Access to Capital

Startups face significant barriers in accessing startup and growth capital. The Norwegian capital market can be challenging for new players, especially in the early stages. Energy Valley suggests establishing more incentives for investment in startups, such as tax breaks for angel investors, and increasing the availability of public funding.

Skills

There is an urgent need to attract and retain highly qualified talent, particularly in technology, sustainability, and digital innovation. Strengthening educational offerings and making it easier to attract talent to Norway is crucial. Energy Valley emphasizes the need to continue strengthening the link between higher education and the business sector, facilitating lifelong learning and reskilling in line with technological advancements.

Regulations and Bureaucracy

Complex regulations and bureaucratic processes can stifle innovation and growth, diverting valuable time from core business activities. A great measurement would be to reduce bureaucratic barriers and streamline processes for startup and business operations, with a particular focus on digitalizing public services.

Support for Green Transition

While there is growing awareness of sustainable development, entrepreneurs need more concrete support and guidance to integrate green solutions into their business models. Energy Valley proposes the implementation of specific programs to increase contributions from both the private and public sectors.

*Energy Valley and startup representative Ola Thorud Jacobsen presented several challenges and measurements to the Minister of Trade and Industry*.

As representatives of the startup community and energy industry startups in Norway, Energy Valley appreciates the government’s commitment to creating a world-leading business environment and looks forward to working with the government to achieve this goal.

Norway: Pioneering the Green Industrial Transition

Norway: Pioneering the Green Industrial Transition

Norway is the official Partner Country of Hannover Messe 2024, the world’s leading trade fair. Under the headline “Pioneering the Green Industrial Transition,” Norway will showcase products and solutions from cutting-edge industries including CCS, hydrogen, batteries and AI and machine learning.

Norway is Partner Country of Hannover Messe 2024

With special emphasis on clean energy and industry 4.0, a selection of companies will demonstrate Norway’s ambitions for a low carbon society and its key role in developing solutions necessary to transform the industry and reach net-zero.

In a press release dated 21 February, Minister of Trade and Industry Jan Christian Vestre expressed Norway’s pride in being named Partner Country at Hannover Messe.

“Norway is honoured to be Partner Country at Hannover Messe. Norway’s highly skilled work force, advanced industry and energy technology, as well as high degree of trust and stability, makes us a key partner in the green shift and one of the world’s most attractive countries for business. We are thrilled to showcase the Norwegian way of doing business and highlight what Norway has to offer,” said Minister of Trade and Industry Jan Christian Vestre.

Two Norwegian pavilions

Norway will be present with a national pavilion in hall 12 (Energy Solutions) and in hall 13, with a pavilion specifically dedicated to hydrogen. At the national pavilion, clean energy and industry 4.0 will be at the forefront, with key players like Statkraft, Equinor, Yara, Siemens and Morrow Batteries taking part. Together, Norwegian companies delivering products and solutions from industries such as hydrogen, CCS, AI and machine learning, digital infrastructure, batteries and charging infrastructure, minerals and materials technology, will demonstrate Norwegian industry’s key role in the green transition.

“Norway and Germany are key trading partners and we have entered a strategic industrial partnership on renewable energy and green industry. We hope the Norwegian presence at the Hannover Messe will further strengthen this close cooperation between our two countries,” said Minister Vestre.

Meet the Norwegian companies joining Team Norway for the Hannover Messe and find more information about the Norwegian pavilion here.

Last chance to join the Norwegian pavilion!

Are you interested, but missed the opportunity? Get in touch with Business Norway or the German-Norwegian Chambre of Commerce.

Meet the new faces of Energy Valley

*From the left: Ola Thorud Jacobsen, Helena Snare Jensby, Bjørn Ottar Elseth, Vibeke Østlyngen.*

Meet the new faces of Energy Valley

As we turn the page on a year marked by change, Energy Valley is excited to introduce our dynamic new team. With a wealth of experience and fresh perspectives, they are ready to lead Energy Valley towards a new chapter filled with innovation and collaboration. Meet the faces driving Energy Valley’s journey forward.

Bringing over two decades of industry experience, Bjørn Ottar Elseth steps into the role of CEO with a rich background from aerospace, communications, and energy. His strategic vision and extensive network will be instrumental in exploring the vast potential of the energy transition and leveraging Energy Valley’s resources to the benefit of all members.

Our new Head of Innovation and Ecosystem is Ola Thorud Jacobsen. Ola’s unique background in cluster management and startup collaboration positions him strongly to foster innovation within our ecosystem. Ola focuses on enhancing collaboration between startups and established players, driving innovation and knowledge exchange between Energy Valley’s members across the value chain.

Vibeke Østlyngen, our Head of Projects and Administration, has over 25 years of experience in the shipping and maritime sector. Her expertise in operations, strategy, and market intelligence will play a key role in navigating complex projects. Vibeke is looking forward to developing Energy Valley further to bring value to members and partners alike.

*From top left: Bjørn Ottar Elseth, Preben Strøm, Ola Thorud Jacobsen, Vibeke Østlyngen, Helena Snare Jensby, Emilie Ryste.*

Helena Snare Jensby, our Communication Advisor, brings a holistic perspective honed through international experience and interdisciplinary studies. With a background in stakeholder communication and international network development, Helena is eager to convey the stories of Energy Valley’s members and promote Norway’s energy transformation.

Our Chief Commercial Officer, Preben Strøm, remains a devoted figure in Energy Valley.

With our team in Norway and Preben holding fort in Singapore, we joke that Energy Valley never sleeps — we are operational almost 24/7, thanks to our global time zone coverage!

In addition, we recently engaged a new Event and Membership Advisor, Emilie Ryste. She comes from a backgrodund in International Management, sustainable concept development, and green hydrogen. Emilie will play a crucial role in facilitating the events and meeting places that bring together our various stakeholders.

Together, we look forward to serving members and embracing the opportunities that await for the cluster and the Norwegian energy industry.

You can read more about Energy Valley and our administration here.

Energizing Renewables: A Call to Action for Talent Acquisition Experts

Norway’s commitment to achieving its climate targets necessitates a strategic pivot towards renewable energy. This transition, critical for our sustainable future, faces a significant hurdle: the need to attract and retain skilled professionals in the renewable energy sector.

In Norway, the renewable energy industry is currently grappling with a talent crisis, marked by intense competition, escalating salaries, and high turnover rates. These challenges complicate recruitment processes, hinder the development of strong corporate cultures, and disrupt business continuity, highlighting a pressing need for specialized workforce solutions.

Therefore, we will launch an initiative this spring to address the critical question: How can we more effectively recruit talent into this growing sector?

In collaboration with our partner Stem Agency, we will host a workshop in April that will bring together stakeholders from various organizations within the renewable energy field to share insights and strategies on attracting talent from other industries, engaging students coming directly from education, and drawing upon international expertise.

Drawing from the workshop’s discussions, we will form theories which will be further explored through an extensive survey amongst people with recruitment responsibilities in the renewable energy sector. We are excited to unveil the findings of this survey during Arendalsuka 2024 and invite all interested parties to join us.

Your expertise and insights will provide valuable input for understanding how to overcome the challenges of talent acquisition in this rapidly evolving landscape. By attending, you will be able to share your experiences, generate ideas, network with industry peers, and contribute to shaping the future workforce of the renewable energy sector in Norway.

Statnett and ZEG have already committed to the workshop. Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to a sustainable future. Sign up for the workshop today and be part of the solution in making renewable energy the cornerstone of Norway’s climate strategy.

The workshop will be conducted in Fornebu on the 9^th of April at 2 pm. Save the date!

Sign up here!

Energy Valley partners with Slush’D Energy

Energy Valley partners with Slush’D Energy

In the vibrant city of Mandal, nestled on the southern coast of Norway, a groundbreaking event is set to unfold the 14th of March 2024 – Slush’D Energy, a sub-conference of the renowned Slush gathering. Project manager and initiator, Ole Henrik Golf, looks forward to gathering around 1000 attendees for what might be the start of yearly energy conference in Mandal.

Mandal is one out of five cities to host Slush’D in 2024

Slush stands tall as one of the world’s largest and most important conferences for startups, investors, and emerging technologies, attracting nearly 20,000 attendees annually to Helsinki.

Out of 108 global contenders, Mandal has secured its place as one of the five cities to host Slush’D this year, merging the dynamic startup scene with the evolving energy sector.

Ole Henrik Golf, the visionary behind this venture, assures that it’s not just another energy conference – it’s different!

“We have combined the startup scene with the energy sector – creating a unique gathering of early-stage green tech, international investors and industry leaders. Expect world class speakers, three stages, 1:1 pre-booked meetings, Skagerak Investor Lounge, a startup EXPO area, food courts and bars and of course an awesome afterparty,” Golf explains.

According to Ole Henrik, the idea for Slush’D Energy in Mandal took root during a visit to Slush’D in Århus two years ago. Convinced they could outshine their Danish counterparts (with all due respect), Ole Henrik and his team are now committed to delivering an event that surpasses expectations.

Partnering with Energy Valley – A natural fit

Golf expresses, “Partnering with Energy Valley was a no brainer. Their expertise in the energy field along with a world class network of companies, was for sure something we wanted to be present at Slush’D Energy in Mandal. Our hope is that this is the start of an exciting and long journey together.”

Head of Innovation and Ecosystem at Energy Valley, Ola Thorud Jacobsen, is very impressed that Ole Henrik and the team managed to get Slush’D to Mandal. With its focus on energy, Energy Valley eagerly partners with Slush’D Energy to create a unique conference experience lasting beyond 2024.

Energy Valley is going the extra mile, quite literally, by dedicating a bus exclusively for its members, ensuring easy access from Oslo to Mandal. Jacobsen sees this journey as more than just a commute, stating, “This is also a good opportunity to network and get to know other members even better – and we might have some surprises along the way.”

Energy Valley will be quite visible at the conference, Jacobsen adds. “We will be on the main stage and our startups will showcase their businesses for investors in the Startup Expo Area.”

Ola encourages everyone who is interested in Slush’D Energy to sign up today.

Empower New Energy and Jet Energy Unveils Cutting-Edge Solar Power Plant in Mediounafor the Moroccan Poultry Leader – Zalar Holding

November 13, 2023 – Empower New Energy, in collaboration with Zalar Holding and Jet Energy, is delighted to announce the inauguration of a cutting-edge solar photovoltaic rooftop plant at Zalar’s Agro-Industrial facility in Mediouna, situated within the Casablanca region. This marks Empower New Energy’s entry into the Moroccan market. The event was attended by His Excellency, Mr. Sjur Larsen, the Norwegian Ambassador to Morocco.

The successful implementation of the 828 kWp Mediouna plant is the first among a series of four rooftop solar installations for Zalar Holding, with a combined capacity of 2.5 MWp, representing an investment of approximately $2 million. The three remaining installations, each nearing 90% completion, are located in Fes (El Alf), Nouasseur (Banchereau), and Had Soualem (Dindy). Together, these four plants will generate an impressive 3.76 GWh of clean and sustainable electricity annually, effectively powering all four of Zalar’s subsidiaries.

Zalar Holding, an innovative leader in Morocco’s poultry sector, is poised to benefit greatly from this abundant source of clean energy. The project is expected to reduce approximately 2,300 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, equivalent to about 37,000 tonnes of CO2 over its lifetime. In addition to its positive environmental impact, the initiative is projected to create and protect over 100 job opportunities, including direct and indirect positions.

“Empower New Energy is proud to announce the completion of the first phase of Zalar Holding‘s rooftop solar installations is just the beginning of a much larger vision. With three more projects in the pipeline, Zalar Holding is on track to reach a combined capacity of 2.5 MWp. These projects will be strategically situated across various locations, further amplifying their impact on local communities and bringing renewable energy benefits to a wider population,” Empower New Energy writes on LinkedIn.

Valley Voice: Energy storage technologies

Get to know one of our new members, Planck Technologies, in this edition of Valley Voice. Listen Managing Director & Founder of Planck Technologies, Maryam Ghadrdan, talks about optimizing the current and discovering the next generation energy storage materials.

Watch it below or on Vim e o.

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ZEG power opens world’s first clean hydrogen plant with integrated carbon capture

Energy Valley member ZEG Power AS and H2 Production AS opened the world’s first commercial plant for clean hydrogen production with integrated carbon capture at CCB Energy Park at Kollsnes, Norway earlier this week.

“ZEG’s mission is to realize efficient and clean production of hydrogen from gas with integrated CO2 capture, offering technology for the production of affordable and sustainable hydrogen, which can contribute to global energy security,” said CEO of ZEG, Arild Selvig.

The opening represents a significant milestone for both companies in their pursuit of a sustainable, low-carbon future, aligning with the Norwegian government’s hydrogen and climate initiatives and the EU’s “Green Deal.”

“The ZEG H1 is an important step on our journey to becoming a commercial company. It is an honor to collaborate with H2P and our other high-quality partners, a cooperation which hopefully can propel ZEG to the forefront of next-generation clean hydrogen technology,” said Selvig.

The ZEG H1 production plant, located near the Northern Lights CO2 storage facility, will produce approximately 1 ton of hydrogen per day and aims to provide captured CO2 for permanent subsea storage.

From an energy perspective, Norway holds a strategic position in Europe, and the ZEG technology has the potential to offer Europe clean hydrogen derived from Norwegian gas, making it a significant opportunity.

CCB Energy and H2P have played a leading role in the development of the Energy Park, focusing on environmentally friendly companies. H2P’s role as a future hydrogen producer and purchaser of the ZEG H1 plant has been crucial.

Ezone Energy and Stepwise enter collaboration

Energy Valley member Ezone Energy AS and Stepwise AS has announced a strategic collaboration.

“We are excited to integrate our technological advances with Stepwise’s software. This collaboration signifies our commitment to advancing energy efficiency but also aligns perfectly with our mission to reshape significant electricity uses through innovative theoretical principles,” says Martin Andersen, CEO of Ezone Energy.

The partnership will combine Ezone Energy’s technology offerings within Stepwise’s Energy Reduction Initiatives (ERIs) as part of their emission management platform.

“As we broaden our energy efficiency portfolio, collaborating with Ezone Energy is a step forward. Their innovative solutions combined with our ERIs ensure that our clients have the potential to achieve even greater levels of power efficiency,” says Pål Erik Vang, Principal Rig Specialist from Stepwise.

The fusion of their strengths aims to provide their clients with enhanced power efficiencies, particularly where transformers and power cables are pivotal to energy infrastructure.

About Ezone Energy

Ezone Energy, a Norwegian company, has developed technology that can significantly improve energy efficiency through the application of fundamentally new theoretical principles, with the potential to shape all significant uses of electricity.

Energy Valley Member TGS to Merger with PGS

Energy Valley member TGS has announced that TGS and PGS will combine to create a strong full-service energy data company.

“We are excited to announce a merger with PGS, completing a major milestone of building a fully integrated and robust global energy data provider. Our clients will benefit from scale, a unique technology portfolio and premier service quality. Bringing together two distinct, yet complementary, companies position us even better for a continued upcycle in the energy sector,” says Chief Executive Officer of TGS, Kristian Johansen.

Following the completion of the transaction, TGS and PGS shareholders will own approximately 2/3 and 1/3 of the combined company, respectively, on the basis of the share capital of each of the companies as of 15 September 2023.
The transaction is supported by the Board of Directors of both companies. Kristian Johansen and Sven Børre Larsen will continue as CEO and CFO post transaction.

“The seismic industry is changing whereby production seismic is becoming increasingly important alongside the traditional exploration seismic. By combining TGS and PGS’ complementary resources, we create a fully integrated geophysical service provider well positioned to generate significant value for all stakeholders” stated Rune Olav Pedersen, President & Chief Executive Officer of PGS.

The combined company will be a full-service geophysical data company with a strong offering in segments including Multi-Client data, streamer data acquisition, ocean bottom node (‘OBN’) data acquisition, imaging and new energy data. Moreover, the transaction helps mitigate supply chain risks and will add further to economies of scale and efficiency, enhancing the value offered to clients.

Definitive merger agreements are expected to be entered into in October 2023, with closing of the transaction expected during the first half of 2024.

The Minister of Trade and Industry seeks advice from entrepreneurs and startups nationwide