Energy Valley receives NOK 1.35 million for initiative on energy and AI

Energy Valley receives NOK 1.35 million for ‘Energy and AI in Akershus’

Energy Valley has been awarded NOK 1.35 million by Akershus County Municipality for the ‘Energy and AI in Akershus’ project.

The project will promote innovation, competitiveness and value creation by accelerating the practical application of artificial intelligence in the energy industry. The work starts in August 2026 and will continue until the end of 2027.

‘We are very pleased to have earned the confidence of Akershus County Municipality. This funding enables us to bring together industry, technology communities, research organisations and the public sector around specific challenges and applications of AI in the energy industry. Our ambition is to move from a general interest in AI to use cases, pilot projects and solutions that can be implemented and create value,’ says Knut Linnerud, Project Manager at Energy Valley.

From available technology to practical application

Many companies recognise the considerable potential of artificial intelligence, but at the same time find that there is still a significant gap between available technology and practical implementation.

‘Energy and AI in Akershus’ will help close this gap through systematic mapping, the development of concrete use cases and the establishment of pilot projects.

The project will, among other things:

  • involve 15–20 companies in analysis and development activities
  • assess the companies’ AI maturity and development needs
  • identify and prioritise 8–10 relevant AI use cases
  • develop and mature 2–4 pilot projects
  • connect companies with technology, R&D and innovation communities
  • lay the groundwork for further funding and scaling

The project builds on the AI Energy Cluster initiative and will develop an operational collaboration model that makes it easier for companies to identify, test and adopt AI-based solutions in the energy sector.

Strong regional collaboration

Energy Valley is the project owner and leads the work in collaboration with Capgemini, Runway Fornebu, Kjeller Innovasjon and Bærum Municipality/Smart City.

The partners bring complementary expertise in areas including AI and analytical methodology, mobilisation, network building, commercialisation, scaling and public-sector innovation.

The project will also strengthen the innovation ecosystem in the Fornebu–Lysaker area and lay the groundwork for further project development and funding through Norwegian and European programmes.

Starting the conversation at ONS

Before the project formally gets under way, we will begin the dialogue at ONS:

AI for Energy: From Industrial Need to National Scale
Tuesday, 25 August, 10:00–11:00
Energy Cluster Norway stand, Hall 9

We will present the ambitions for the initiative and invite representatives from the energy, technology and innovation communities to an initial discussion on:

  • where AI can create the greatest value in the energy industry
  • which industrial needs and challenges should be prioritised
  • relevant AI use cases and potential pilot projects
  • how industry and R&D communities can collaborate more effectively
  • opportunities for implementation, commercialisation and scaling
  • how AI Energy Cluster can be developed as a shared platform for mobilisation
  • how relevant initiatives can be connected to Norwegian and European funding opportunities

The discussion at ONS will provide an early foundation for the work ahead. The input received will inform the organisation of the project and the launch of the first analysis and development activities.

Who would we like to engage with?

We would like to hear from companies that:

  • have specific challenges where AI could be part of the solution
  • are already working with AI and would like to share experience or technology
  • have relevant data, test facilities or industrial application areas
  • would like to develop an AI use case or pilot project
  • are seeking collaboration with technology or research communities
  • would like to explore opportunities for Norwegian or European project funding

You do not need to have a fully developed project idea. An industrial challenge, an identified need or a potential application can be a good starting point.

Get involved from the start

We invite members, partners and other relevant stakeholders to meet us at the Energy Cluster Norway stand in Hall 9 and join the discussion.

Does your company have a potential AI use case, relevant expertise or a challenge you would like to explore? Please feel free to contact us before ONS.

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