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.
Norway: Pioneering the Green Industrial Transition
Photo: Rainer Jensen/Hannover Messe.
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.
