During Oslo Innovation Week, Energy Valley held a two-session event, together with Capgemini. Here are some of the key takeaways…
SESSION I
Building the Future of Talent
What does it really take to build global companies out of Norway — and what kind of leadership and talent will define our next chapter? At our “Building the Future of Talent” session during Oslo Innovation Week, Energy Valley’s Preben Strøm explored these questions together with John Markus Lervik (Cognite), Snorre Valdimarsson (Thommessen) and two outstanding Future Energy Leaders — Shipra Mohan and Bielenis Villanueva Triana.
Discussion on what it takes to be successful in the drive for talent
A few takeaways stood out:
💡 “The combination of grit and deep domain competence is crucial for success when building a global tech company.”
John Markus Lervik, reminding us that endurance and expertise matter more than hype – and that life balance, not work/life balance, is what truly counts.
💡 “We should nurture and support business talents the same way we do with sports talents.”
Norway needs to get better at identifying and investing early in people who can scale ideas globally.
💡 “The best and most efficient employees are women with small kids.”
Snorre Valdimarsson highlighted that diversity is not just fair, it’s efficient – and that inclusion is a competitive advantage.
💡 “Norway is a great country to live in – and to build your career.”
As one of our Future Energy Leaders put it.
Panel discussion: Building the Future of Talents
At the core of the discussion was a shared belief: 👉 Talent is Norway’s most important resource, but how we develop, empower and trust that talent will determine whether we stay a local success story or become a truly global one.
SESSION II
The Power of Energy Efficiency in Industry Innovation
Alexander Glowacki (Senior Lead Strategist & People Manager, Strategy, Design & AI, frog, part of Capgemini Invent) had some key takeaways from the second session of the day. Here’s what he had to say…
Most people agree that great collaboration drives innovation. Yet, establishing valuable partnerships remains a challenge.
During Oslo Innovation Week, we tackled this topic through an intimate workshop on energy efficiency collaboration. Together with Simoen Moxnes from Equinor and Gina Arnestad from Statnett, we identified real barriers and actionable solutions for founder-corporate partnerships.
Equinor: the energy transition IS happening!
Three key barriers
Speed mismatch: Startups need to move fast to survive. Industry majors need time to navigate complex decision-making. This creates friction.
Navigation complexity: The sheer size of corporations makes it difficult for younger companies to identify the right entry points for partnerships.
Communication gaps: Misaligned language and expectations create friction. What startups call “partnership” might mean something entirely different to a corporate.
Gina Arnestad, Statnett
The good news…
Don’t worry, in spite of the barriers, it’s not all doom and gloom! Progress IS happening! Equinor is engaging with Innovation Dock and StartupLab. Statnett has built a portal for partnership submissions.
But we need continued dialogue to bridge the existing gaps.
Here’s a perspective shift: innovation in energy efficiency isn’t new. In the early 1900s, whale oil dominated lighting before kerosene took over. Today, LED technology reigns supreme.
So, here’s a question for us all to contemplate: What will be the “whale oil” of our time? What seems essential today but will be obsolete in 20 years?
Tomorrow Show 2025: AI and Collaboration at the Core
Preben Strøm onstage at Tomorrow Show 2025
On Thursday, September 25, Tomorrow Show 2025 brought together leading figures in digitalization, energy, and technology at The Hub. The conference focused on how artificial intelligence, data, and cross-industry collaboration are driving new business models, transforming work processes, and influencing geopolitics and security.
Energy Valley’s CCO, Preben Strøm, gave a presentation on behalf of the cluster, delivering a clear message about the importance of collaboration across value chains. He emphasized the need to strengthen small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through skills development and partnerships, enabling them to play an active role in the digital and green transition. His presentation was well received and positioned Energy Valley as a key voice in the discussion on how Norwegian players can become part of a global digital ecosystem.
Knut Linnerud, Energy Valley’s EU advisor and project manager for the AI Energy Cluster, was also in attendance and took the opportunity to follow the presentations on stage and network with key representatives from business, technology, and research communities.
AI Energy Cluster: Energy Valley’s AI Initiative
Alongside participation in the conference, Energy Valley is actively working to further develop the AI Energy Cluster—an initiative that brings together energy companies, tech firms, R&D actors, and SMEs in a joint effort to integrate artificial intelligence into the energy system.
The goals:
Create a structured collaboration platform for AI in the energy sector
Build expertise and practical case studies through webinars, workshops, and professional gatherings
Identify concrete project opportunities and connect them to national and international funding schemes
Position Norwegian players in larger European initiatives, such as Horizon Europe and Digital Europe
Currently, we are working with our partners to chart the path forward, with a clear ambition to strengthen collaboration and build an AI and energy ecosystem that delivers tangible results and new opportunities for our members.
The road ahead
Tomorrow Show 2025 clearly demonstrated that AI, data, and digitalization are no longer add-ons—they are the foundation for future value creation, security, and competitiveness. For Energy Valley, this is a strong confirmation that we are on the right track with the AI Energy Cluster—and that collaboration between major players, SMEs, and research communities is the key to unlocking its potential.
Want to get involved?
If you’re interested in joining Energy Valley’s AI Energy Cluster or want more information, reach out to Knut Linnerud (email) or (mobile: +47 922 25 432).
The event was focused on “Hydrogen: From ambition to reality” and was aimed at expanding professional networks within the hydrogen space as well as building on NEW members’ understanding of the green hydrogen opportunities and challenges, technology, and value chain.
CEO Vibeke Østlyngen was in attendance and had this to say about it:
It was a powerful afternoon at Worley Rosenberg last week when 80+ women gathered to discuss the green hydrogen opportunities and challenges, technology and value chain.
Main takeaways:
We need common policies and regulations to standardise
The European hydrogen market is growing — slowly but steadily
Cost must come down, and it must be more expensive to pollute – CO2 pricing will be a gamechanger
Special thanks to Oriana Duran and Worley Rosenberg for hosting the event and to the NEW initiative for organizing, together with Women in Green Hydrogen.
➡️ The New Energy Women (NEW) initiative is a cooperation between ABB and some of the energy clusters in Norway: H2Cluster, Norwegian Offshore Wind Cluster, Energy Valley, and Fornybar Norge.
Additional takeaways
H2Cluster also took part in the event and had these key points:
🔺 Trust among stakeholders is critical to mature projects.
🔺 Concerns around the slow pace of project development in Europe.
🔺 Global momentum is strong: Brazil, Australia, North Africa, China, and the Middle East are moving fast.
🔺 Chinese electrolyzer OEMs offering CAPEX benefits that may outweigh European subsidies.
Want to get involved?
Stay tuned for the next New Energy Women gathering coming up as we will visit Rystad Energy in Oslo.
Recap in pictures
Did you miss the event? Here are a few of our favourite pictures from the event:
Event participants ahead of the two panel discussions
Together with Capgemini, Energy Valley was proud to host an event focused on the electricity crisis and its impact on industry at this year’s Arendalsuka.
The problem: Norway’s electricity grid doesn’t have the capacity to meet the demand from new industries, electrification, and the green transition. This is resulting in delayed investments, high prices, and — in the worst cases — power outages.
Multiple reports (including Riksrevisjonen’s “Kapasiteten i strømnettet“) have confirmed: we need more capacity, a better grid, and smarter solutions. But how do we get there?
The hour-long event was split into two panels and took a look at the situation surrounding Norway’s power system, tackling topics such as:
What the authorities are doing to ensure sufficient grid capacity
Whether digital control, local production, and battery technology can give industry greater flexibility
Whether small, modular reactors are part of the solution… or merely a distraction
How software, data, and AI can be used to optimize energy usage
During the lively event, participants delved into what was more than just a debate. It was a conversation about the future of Norwegian industry, technology, and green growth.
Key takeaways
Energy Valley’s Knut Linnerud wrapped up the event with a summary of some of the key points made:
Firstly, the session clearly demonstrated that the challenges in the power system are significant… but they are NOT insurmountable and the solutions are already well known.
Yara emphasized that expanding the grid is absolutely crucial for continued industrial development.
At the same time, Morrow highlighted how battery technology can contribute to power balance and flexibility within the system.
A key starting point for Norway is that we already possess a form of “battery capacity” through our water reservoirs, which is equivalent to millions of car batteries. This gives us a unique opportunity to further balance power in collaboration with Europe, ensuring more stability and affordable access to electricity.
Effective power balancing is the key to succeeding in the transition to renewable energy and securing sufficient electricity. Everything is interconnected (as Gro Harlem Brundtland notably said in the context of climate challenges) and the ability to execute is critical.
Coordinated, concrete plans and actions are required between industry, the energy sector, and government.
We’d like to issue a big THANK YOU to all who participated in the event and those who came out to watch it live. If you missed the event (or would like a reminder of it) take a look at the slideshow below.
Participants
Gry Helene Pettersen – Vice President, Capgemini Invent
AIREL Takes the Stage: Innovating Forestry Management for Norway’s Grid Companies
Frøydis Arntzen Dale, Design Manager at AIREL. Photo: Helena Jensby
This October, Energy Valley sat down with Frøydis Arntzen Dale, Design Manager at AIREL, to discuss their cutting-edge approach to forestry management for grid companies and their opportunity to present at Energirampen’s Pitch Night during the energy industry´s IT conference, “Teknologioptimistene.”
The story of AIREL
“AIREL?” Many first-time listeners struggle with the pronunciation (it’s Air-el), but the name is intentional: AIREL stands for AI, Air, Relations, and Electricity. The company combines these four pillars to provide digital solutions to long-standing challenges in forestry management and energy infrastructure.
As Frøydis explains, AIREL´s founder, Magne Kaspersen, saw first-hand the inefficiencies in grid management when working at Norgesnett in 2019. “With a unique combination of forestry and IT expertise, he spotted areas for improvement that others overlooked, and that’s how AIREL was born,” she shares.
AIREL is set on transforming forest clearing along power lines, estimating an impressive 56 million NOK in savings for their first customer, Norgesnett.
Revolutionizing forest clearing along power lines, AIREL´s Frøydis Arntzen Dale highlights how automation and digitalization can unlock massive savings and boost efficiency. Photo: Agnes Etienne.
What is AIREL´s edge?
“We combine forestry expertise with tech savvy, which is rare. Magne is both a forester and a developer, and that’s why we can bridge the knowledge gap that often exists between these two fields,” Frøydis explains.
“Grid companies could attempt what we’re doing, but having expertise under one roof means we’re a few steps ahead, especially with five years of field testing.”
This industry experience allows AIREL to optimize processes and automate areas of grid management that others hesitate to tackle.
“It is a topic that many may find a bit unsexy. There’s this whole part of the grid that a lot of people don’t want to touch – but there’s a lot to fix there!” Frøydis says with a smile.
“The sector is ripe for digitalization, and there’s a lot of savings to be made through automation and AI,” she adds.
Pitching in front of Norway’s energy IT decision-makers
Through our partnership with Energirampen, Energy Valley worked closely with Nicolai Kirkeng Vennerød, founder of Energirampen, to select three startups to pitch in front of 450 people at the energy industry´s IT conference. Our Head of Innovation and Ecosystem was invited to introduce Frøydis Arntzen Dale on stage.
Energy Valley’s Head of Innovation, Ola Jacobsen, introduces AIREL´s Frøydis Arntzen Dale at the energy industry´s IT conference. Photo: Agnes Etienne.
Just hours before the event, Frøydis reflected on the aim of their pitch: “We’re not trying to win over investors; we’re looking for partners and customers. The secret to a good pitch is to tailor the message and maybe even provoke a little. You want to grab attention, but in a way that shows we’re bringing something different,” Frøydis shares.
“It’s not influencer-style provoking,” she laughs. “But more about daring to ask the real questions that matter.”
“In a tough competition with a lot of impressive companies, Frøydis and AIREL early stood out as a favorite with their well-thought-out pitch, clear value proposition, and exciting team! It was a true pleasure to introduce AIREL on stage in front of 450 potential stakeholders,” Ola shared after the event.
Looking to the future
For AIREL, digitalization, AI, and security are front and center in their vision. “AI, LiDAR data, and smart data models drive our approach, and it’s great to see that this shift in focus is a priority at this year’s conference,” Frøydis concludes.
Kunstig intelligens (KI) i energibransjen: skal vi lede an eller følge etter?
Se arrangementet fra Arendalsuka her
I en tid der digitale løsninger og muligheter raskt endrer landskapet i alle industrier, står energibransjen ved en kritisk skillevei. Regjeringens visjon, som uttrykt i “Nasjonal strategi for kunstig intelligens” (2020), er at Norge skal kapitalisere på innovasjonspotensialet som kunstig intelligens (KI) tilbyr. Med en sterk kunnskapsbase innen olje og gass, samt en voksende fornybar energisektor, har Norge en unik mulighet til å lede an i integreringen av KI-teknologier for å forbedre effektivitet, bærekraft, sikkerhet og produktivitet.
I september 2023 kunngjorde statsminister Jonas Gahr Støre en investering på én milliard kroner i forskning på KI og digital teknologi.
Med fokus på februar 2024s annonsering, er målet å kanalisere denne “KI-milliarden” til opprettelsen av flere KI-sentre, en strategi som har møtt både applaus og kritikk.
Kritikere peker på utfordringer med fragmentering og siloarbeid som kan hemme nasjonalt og internasjonalt samarbeid, samt utfordringer ved å kunne tiltrekke seg global ekspertise. Dette står i kontrast til Sveriges WASP-program, som bl.a. med nesten 5 milliarder kroner (SEK) i støtte fra Wallenberg-familien, har satset stort på en mer sentralisert tilnærming.
Innenfor energisektoren reiser dette viktige spørsmål: Har Norge, med sine svært gode forutsetninger og allerede etablerte sterke miljøer, det som kreves for å ikke bare følge, men også lede an i KI-utviklingen?
Hvordan kan vi best utnytte KI innen bl.a. smart grids, prediktivt vedlikehold, værprognoser for fornybar energiproduksjon, trading, CCUS etc.?
Og hvordan kan vi sikre at Norge ikke bare holder tritt, men setter standarden for innovasjon og anvendelse av KI i energibransjen?
Disse spørsmålene står sentralt i vår diskusjon, og vi inviterer ledere, eksperter og innovatører fra både energibransjen og KI-feltet til å utforske veien fremover.
Sammen kan vi kartlegge en kurs som sikrer Norges posisjon som en ledende nasjon i den globale energiovergangen, drevet av de mulighetene som kunstig intelligens tilbyr.
Arrangementet innledes av Silvija Seres, en fremtredende KI-ekspert og strategisk rådgiver med bakgrunn fra Oxford og Silicon Valley.
Join Energy Valley at ONS from August 26-29, where our stand (7330 in Hall 7) will be the perfect spot for networking and grabbing a coffee. Together with our partner Cognizant, we have put together a program that offers industry insights and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow energy professionals.
Networking over exceptional coffee
You can find Energy Valley in Hall 7 at stand 7330, where we will be together with our partner Cognizant, alongside remarkable companies from the industry – including members of Energy Valley.
Our stand reflects what Energy Valley represents: a social meeting place for decision-makers, experts, and entrepreneurs who are dedicated to accelerating the energy transition.
With up to 80,000 attendees anticipated this year, ONS 2024 promises to be a major gathering for the energy sector. At our stand, you’ll find a central coffee bar that serves as a welcoming spot for both new and familiar faces to connect and discuss energy topics.
Social events in Stavanger
We are pleased to invite all our members to exclusive networking events on Tuesday and Wednesday evening. Please see the separate invitations for details. If you have not received your invitation or have any questions, please contact Emilie T. Ryste // emilie.ryste@energyvalley.com.
Stand program
General venue opening hours all days 09:30-17:30
Monday 26.08
09:30-16:00 Lucky Draw Competion every day! Win amazing prizes such as Aston Martin F1 Merch, a staycation at The Well or FOMA tickets for 2025
09:30 – 17:30 Everyday: Meet and connect with the Future Energy Leaders
11:00 Intellligent Operations in the Energy Sector
Stig Martin Fiskå, Global Head of Cognizant Ocean
16:00 Lucky Draw of the day. Winners will be contacted
Tuesday 27.08
10:00 TU (Teknisk Ukeblad) Live Podcast on Norwegian Energy Politics
Ole Erik Almlid, CEO of NHO
11:00-12:00 TU Live Podcast on Sustainability: Engineering Performance and Excellence
Manoj Mathew, Global Head of Cognizant Sustainability Engineering
13:00 TU Live Podcast on the Future of the Energy Nation Norway
Energy Valley, Åslaug Marie Haga, CEO of Renewables Norway
14:00 Engineering Performance and Excellence
Baranitharan Prabakar
Prabjot Singh Dhanjal
16:00 Lucky Draw of the day. Winners will be contacted
14:00 Lucky Draw of the day. Winners will be contacted
Networking over exceptional coffee.
About Cognizant
Engineering modern business to improve everyday lives
Cognizant is one of the world’s leading professional services companies, helping clients modernize technology, reimagine processes and transform experiences so they can stay ahead in our fastchanging world.
Cognizant uses expertise that’s been proven and tested around the globe to help companies get ahead of challenges, sense opportunities sooner and outpace change. The services and solutions are tailored to specific industries, using a global delivery model that combines client-based teams with support from regional and global centers.
Det er et hav av arrangementer å velge mellom på Arendalsuka i år – faktisk hele 2171 arrangementer! Lurer du på hvilke arrangementer du skal gå på? Her har vi samlet noen tips til arrangementer om energi, grønn omstilling, innovasjon, arbeidsliv, digitalisering og KI.
Mandag ønsker vi deg velkommen til Kribb for en viktig samtale om rekruttering til fornybar energi.
Energy Valley og Stem Agency Nordic har denne våren samarbeidet med ulike organisasjoner for å utforske hvordan vi kan tiltrekke oss flere kloke hoder til en sektor i vekst. Nå presenterer vi våre funn gjennom inspirerende foredrag med følgende eksperter:
Bli med for å høre deres perspektiver på sentrale spørsmål som: Hva er kompetansebehovet til fornybar energi? Hvordan øker vi rekrutteringen til STEM-fagene? Hvordan kan vi få internasjonale talenter til Norge? Og hvordan kan vi øke mangfoldet i bransjen?
HVORDAN SKAPER VI FORNYBARBRANSJENS SVAR PÅ OLYMPIATOPPEN? EN DIALOG OM NORGES KONKURRANSEFORTRINN
Etter det offisielle programmet inviterer vi til en lett matbit og mingling på terrassen og i foajeen.
Arrangør: Energy Valley, First House Dag: Tirsdag 13.8 2024 20:30 – 21:30 Arrangementstype: Samtale Tema: Energi Språk: Norsk Sted: Bærekraftscenen Vis i kart
Med OL på TV og 30-årsjubileet for OL på Lillehammer i tankene, er det lett å bli inspirert av idrettens suksesshistorier. Men hva skjer når vi overfører den samme tankegangen til fornybar energi?
Har du noen gang lurt på hva næringslivet og industrien kan lære av idretten?
Da bør du komme til Bærekraftscenen tirsdag kveld kl. 20:30 under Arendalsuka for en engasjerende dialog om fornybar energi og Norges konkurransefortrinn, etterfulgt av mat og mingling med andre fornybarentusiaster på terrassen.
Arrangementet innledes av tidligere mestvinnende alpinist Kjetil André Aamodt, som deler erfaringer fra å skape en kultur for samarbeid og kunnskapsdeling blant ener og individualister.
Norsk suksess i vinter-OL har vist oss at ingen vinner alene – bak de norske medaljene ligger sterkt fellesskap, samarbeid og kompetansedeling til grunn. Olympiatoppens kraftsamling av ressurser og tette samarbeid med særforbund og forskningsinstitusjoner gjør både de beste bedre, og de beste flere.
Nå står Norge på terskelen til en ny type gullmedalje: å bli verdensledende innen fornybar energi.
Dessverre må vi erkjenne at Norges energiomstilling har vært som å gå på ski i tungt føre med både feil ski og teknikk… Hvordan kan vi snu denne utviklingen?
Hvilke konkurransefortrinn har vi som nasjon i en situasjon hvor det grønne skiftet er satt på pause, og investorer kun er opptatt av utbytte, olje og gass? Og hvem bestemmer egentlig hva et land skal bli god på?
Vi garanterer tankevekkende diskusjoner og en hyggelig og sosial avslutning på tirsdagen under Arendalsuka.
KUNSTIG INTELLIGENS (KI) I ENERGIBRANSJEN: SKAL VI LEDE AN ELLER FØLGE ETTER?
Arrangør: Energy Valley Dag: Onsdag 14.8 2024 17:30 – 18:30 Arrangementstype: Samtale Tema: Energi Språk: Norsk Sted: Torvscenen Vis i kart
I en tid der digitale løsninger og muligheter raskt endrer landskapet i alle industrier, står energibransjen ved en kritisk skillevei.
Regjeringens visjon, som uttrykt i “Nasjonal strategi for kunstig intelligens” (2020), er at Norge skal kapitalisere på innovasjonspotensialet som kunstig intelligens (KI) tilbyr.
Har Norge, med sine svært gode forutsetninger og allerede etablerte sterke miljøer, det som kreves for å ikke bare følge, men også lede an i KI-utviklingen? Hvordan kan vi best utnytte KI innen bl.a. smart grids, prediktivt vedlikehold, værprognoser for fornybar energiproduksjon, trading, CCUS etc.? Og hvordan kan vi sikre at Norge ikke bare holder tritt, men setter standarden for innovasjon og anvendelse av KI i energibransjen?
Disse spørsmålene står sentralt i vår diskusjon på Arendalsuka, der vi inviterer ledere, eksperter og innovatører fra både energibransjen og KI-feltet til å utforske veien fremover.
Arrangementet innledes av Silvija Seres, en fremtredende KI-ekspert og strategisk rådgiver med bakgrunn fra Oxford og Silicon Valley.
Welcome Knut Linnerud: Enhancing Energy Valley’s EU Engagement
We are delighted to welcome Knut Linnerud as our new EU Advisor at Energy Valley. With his extensive background and valuable skills, Knut is set to enhance our cluster both within Norway and on the EU stage.
As an EU Advisor, Knut will lead the development and implementation of strategic initiatives to maximize our engagement and success in EU programs. His role will involve identifying member needs, enhancing collaborations, and conducting workshops to deepen our members’ understanding of EU opportunities.
Knut has a strong entrepreneurial spirit, evident from his experience as a serial entrepreneur, the founder and leader of Arena H2Cluster, and his role in shaping international strategies as a Senior Business Developer at Greenstat. His project management expertise includes energy optimization initiatives and cross-border Interreg projects.
With a master’s in Architecture and Management, specializing in business economics, green growth, and competitiveness, Knut combines creativity, execution capability, and business acumen. This interdisciplinary approach will be key in mobilizing EU project resources and developing strategic initiatives.
In light of Håkon Haugli’s recent Innovation Speech, which emphasized the importance of Norwegian businesses being proactive and commercially active in Europe, Knut’s role is more relevant than ever. His appointment comes at a time when Norway needs to accelerate its green transition and strengthen its collaboration in digitalization and artificial intelligence with European partners. Knut’s expertise will be instrumental in identifying and maximizing EU opportunities, particularly in Horizon Europe and the European Innovation Council (EIC) funding programs.
