Energy Valley – a name for our new opportunities
The new name of the cluster is Energy Valley. This first and foremost signalizes numerous new business opportunities for the members.
“The name Energy Valley does not reflect leaving subsea behind but applying a broader view on energy. Our new name reflects our new strategy, our strong position, and our ambitions”
Preben Strøm, Energy Valley
This was the opening message by Preben Strøm at the energy:connected’19 conference which took place just before the Easter holiday.
At the energy:connected’19, 2 600 people from the industry were gathered. 89 companies presented their work on exhibition stands. 5 560 cups of coffee were served from the coffee bar. Many of which were enjoyed while listening to 3 keynote speakers, 8 masterclasses, 119 technical sessions and pitching sessions on the exhibitor floor, and so much more.
“To us, coming here is a great chance to meet the industry”, said Moina Tamuly, co-founder of the NTNU-based company Arveng Technology. This was their second year attending. Last year the company had just started up, and they met two companies they are now in cooperation with on two different projects.
On the main stage the first day we were given the broader view on global energy demand and technological development by Kenneth Medlock, who works at the Center for Energy Studies at Baker Institute at Rice Univesity. His main message was to take the whole world into consideration when trying to predict the future, whether you are selling oil and gas or solar and wind.
“You see the world from where you sit”, said Medlock. When discussing sustainability in different parts of the world, what is most important depends on the situation on the ground.
“Innovation to change the world of energy is the key to long term prosperity, but it is a marathon, not a sprint”
Kenneth Medlock, Baker Institute at Rice Univesity
The discussion on the energy transition, the global energy mix and the search for valuable new energy sources were present whether the debate was regarding the Norwegian continental shelf, digitalization, new business opportunities or collaboration in the industry.
“If you want to change the world – be a part of the oil industry”, was the message from Karl Johnny Hersvik, CEO of Aker BP. On stage, he emphasized the value of the developments of better energy systems within oil and gas for the larger energy transition.
“No other industry has a better opportunity to fund the energy transition than oil and gas. It is part of our company improvement programs to drive the change. We should be proud”
Karl Johnny Hersvik, Aker BP
