Energy Valley Strengthens Its EU Engagement – Considering a Delegation Trip to Brussels

Energy Valley is actively working to strengthen our members’ access to European markets, funding opportunities, and strategic partnerships. As part of this effort, we are now exploring the possibility of mobilising a small delegation of member companies to Brussels from June 8–10, in collaboration with Energy Transition Norway (ETN).

The delegation will take place during the European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) – one of Europe’s most important arenas for energy transition, technology and innovation. The programme combines insights into EU policy, funding opportunities and networking with key stakeholders in Brussels.

    Why is this relevant?

    The EU is currently investing heavily in:

    • energy transition
    • digitalisation and AI
    • industrial technologies
    • energy systems and flexibility
    • hydrogen and energy carriers
    • offshore wind
    • CCS/CCUS
    • cybersecurity and data infrastructure

    For many Norwegian companies, access to European networks and funding arenas will become increasingly important for future growth and innovation.

    Through the Brussels programme, participants will gain insights into:

    • Horizon Europe
    • Digital Europe
    • the Innovation Fund
    • the European Investment Bank (EIB)
    • the development towards the next EU framework programme (FP10)
    • how Norwegian companies can position themselves within European consortia and partnerships

    The programme also includes meetings and presentations involving representatives from:

    • the European Commission (DG ENER and DG DEFIS)
    • the Norwegian EU Delegation
    • the Research Council of Norway / NORCORE
    • Innovation Norway
    • the European Investment Bank (EIB)
    • European clusters and innovation networks
    • energy companies and industrial stakeholders

    Relevant for members with EU ambitions

    The delegation may be particularly relevant for companies that:

    • are considering Horizon Europe or Digital Europe participation
    • want to better understand EU funding mechanisms
    • are looking for European collaboration partners
    • work with AI, digitalisation or industrial technologies
    • develop solutions within energy, hydrogen, offshore wind or grid/flexibility
    • seek to position themselves towards European markets and consortia

    Participants are expected to cover their own travel and accommodation costs, while parts of the Brussels programme are hosted free of charge through ETN.

    The number of available places will be limited, and priority will be given to companies with clear strategic relevance and interest in EU-related activities.

    AI Energy Cluster and European Opportunities

    Energy Valley is also continuing the development of the AI Energy Cluster initiative, where European collaboration and EU funding are seen as key mechanisms for enabling larger industrial AI projects within energy and industry.

    The EU is currently investing significantly in:

    • AI infrastructure
    • industrial AI applications
    • data spaces
    • HPC and edge computing
    • cybersecurity
    • digital transformation of energy systems

    For companies interested in exploring this landscape further, the Brussels delegation may also serve as a valuable first step towards understanding how Norwegian stakeholders can connect with European initiatives and consortia.

    In parallel, Energy Valley is assessing the possibility of establishing a more targeted Brussels programme specifically focused on AI, energy and industrial digitalisation — potentially in collaboration with national and European partners.

    Looking for Support with EU Funding or Project Development?

    As part of Energy Valley’s EU engagement, we offer ongoing advisory support related to European programmes, partnerships and project development.

    We support members with:

    • identifying relevant EU programmes and calls
    • assessing project ideas and maturity
    • connecting with European partners and networks
    • consortium building and mobilisation
    • strategic discussions around EU positioning
    • connecting EU opportunities with national support schemes and innovation ecosystems

    Relevant programmes include:

    • Horizon Europe
    • Digital Europe
    • Innovation Fund
    • Connecting Europe Facility (CEF)
    • EIC Accelerator
    • Interreg
    • hydrogen and energy-related partnerships

    Energy Valley has already organised several activities related to EU funding and mobilisation within:

    • hydrogen
    • CCS/CCUS
    • energy carriers
    • offshore wind
    • AI and digitalisation

    We are seeing growing interest from member companies that want to:

    • develop European partnerships
    • participate in EU projects
    • better understand the European funding landscape
    • connect technology development with international market opportunities

    Please feel free to contact us for an informal discussion regarding:

    • relevant EU calls
    • EU strategy
    • project ideas
    • potential partners
    • the Brussels delegation
    • AI Energy Cluster
    • or other European opportunities relevant to your company.

    Contact:
    Knut Linnerud
    EU Advisor – Energy Valley
    knut.linnerud@energyvalley.com

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