BalticSeaH2 podcasts are live!

The BalticSeaH2 project podcast is out! Why does hydrogen matter now, and what will decide whether it really scales?🎙️

The Hydrogen Valley Podcast is part of the BalticSeaH2 project and focuses on the conditions that shape the hydrogen economy in practice. The podcast looks at hydrogen beyond targets and announcements, with discussions on technology readiness, regulation, infrastructure, investments, and system-level choices that determine whether hydrogen can move from plans to implementation.

The first episodes will answer questions like:

Why are the opportunities for the hydrogen economy emerging now, and not ten years ago?
What applications does hydrogen genuinely make sense for – and where does it not? 
Why do investment decisions take time?

The first two episodes are available now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts! Find more information and episode descriptions on BalticSeaH2 website.

Episode 1

Why has hydrogen been used for decades, yet the hydrogen economy is only now taking shape? 🎙️

Hydrogen has long been part of industrial processes, but its role in energy and industrial transition discussions has expanded significantly in recent years.

Episode 1 of the Hydrogen Valley Podcast focuses on what has changed around hydrogen. Not the molecule itself, but the surrounding system. Energy markets, policy frameworks, technology development, and industrial demand now intersect in ways that were not in place before.

The discussion looks at why hydrogen is increasingly considered at system level and what conditions need to be in place for it to scale beyond established industrial use.

🎧 Guests in this episode:

Mika Järvinen, Associate Professor from Aalto University discusses what makes hydrogen technically different from other energy carriers and why scale changes the challenge.

Simo Säynevirta, Head of H2 Springboard ecosystem at ABB, explains how low-cost renewable electricity has reshaped where hydrogen makes sense.

Samuel Cross, PhD, Coordinator of Aalto University Hydrogen Innovation Center, looks at why hydrogen now addresses sectors that cannot be electrified directly and why earlier cost barriers mattered.

The episode places hydrogen in its system context and focuses on conditions rather than promises.

Episode 2

Are hydrogen projects overhyped, or do large industrial investments simply take time? 🎙️

Hydrogen projects are often described as delayed or uncertain. Episode 2 widens the lens and questions whether hydrogen is being judged differently from other large industrial transitions.

Hydrogen is sometimes described as the champagne of the green transition. Useful in the right context, but not something you would use to wash windows. That question runs through the episode. Where does hydrogen actually make sense economically, and where does it not?

In Episode 2 of the Hydrogen Valley Podcast, the discussion focuses on regulation, incentives, and investment decisions, and on why timelines matter.

🎧 Guests in this episode:

Christian Langen, Executive in Residence at Aalto University, discusses why long investment timelines are a normal feature of major industrial projects, not a hydrogen-specific problem.

Janne Peljo, Chief Policy Adviser at EK – Finnish Confederation of Industries, explains how regulation and incentives shape investment decisions and why predictability matters more than speed.

Jan Feller, CEO of the German-Finnish Chamber of Commerce, looks at hydrogen from an investor and industry perspective and asks where hydrogen genuinely makes sense, and where simpler solutions might do. Sometimes choosing hydrogen everywhere is like reaching for champagne where water would do.

The episode highlights the importance of realism, clear use cases, and stable frameworks when building new industrial value chains.

🔗 You can find these and upcoming episodes on both Spotify and Apple Podcasts. As well as direct links from the BalticSeaH2 podcast page.

Invitation to Energi2050 work meetings (in Norwegian)

*Høyspenningslaboratorium. Foto: SINTEF*

Energi2050 skal i løpet av 2026 utvikle en ny FoUI-strategi for hele energiområdet i Norge. Strategien skal svare ut mandatet som omfatter:

Produksjon, overføring og bruk av utslippsfri energi
Leting etter, utvinning og transport av petroleum
Fangst, transport og lagring av CO2
Havbunnsmineralvirksomhet

Energi2050 skal gi råd til Energidepartementet om FoUI innsats som bidrar til :

Energisikkerhet, konkurransekraft og verdiskaping på hele energiområdet
Langsiktig kunnskaps- og teknologiutvikling, en bærekraftig energiomstilling og en effektiv energiforsyning
En kostnadseffektiv og miljøvennlig utvikling mot et lavutslippssamfunn innen 2050

Involvering av fageksperter, universiteter, FoU- Institutter, næringsliv, industri, og myndigheter er avgjørende for kvaliteten til Energi2050 strategien. Energi2050 inviterer derfor til åpne arbeidsmøter innenfor temaene listet under, hvor formålet er å få identifisert og evaluert FoUI-behov, både på kort og lengre sikt. Resultatene fra arbeidsmøtene skal brukes av Energi2050-styret i deres prioriteringer av satsningsområder og tiltak for realisering.

Delta og bidra i arbeidet med Norges nye FoU-I strategi på energiområdet.

Påmelding må gjøres gjennom lenkene i tabellen på Energi2050 side

From Insight to Application: Lessons from Energy Valley’s EU Innovation Fund Workshop

On 22 January, Energy Valley hosted an EU Innovation Fund workshop in Fornebu, organised in collaboration with Innovayt and REspire. The workshop followed up on our Innovation Fund webinar held in December, and marked the next step in moving from general understanding to concrete project positioning.

The objective of the workshop was clear: to help companies better understand how Innovation Fund projects are actually evaluated, and to test early-stage project ideas against the programme’s key criteria through a practical project idea clinic.

What we learned

A central takeaway from the workshop was that none of the project ideas presented were sufficiently mature to be submitted to Innovation Fund calls with deadlines in 2026. This is not unusual, and should rather be seen as a valuable and realistic checkpoint early in the process.

At the same time, several participants clearly have project ideas with long-term potential, either:

within other EU or national funding programmes, or
as candidates for a future Innovation Fund call, for example in 2027, given the right development path.

The discussions highlighted that many companies underestimate the level of integration required across innovation, GHG avoidance, financial robustness and project maturity in order to be competitive in the Innovation Fund.

A format that works… but can be improved

The combination of:

a general introductory webinar, and
a physical workshop with expert input and an interactive idea clinic,

proved to be a strong and effective model. Participants gained clearer insight into evaluator logic and were able to stress-test their ideas in a constructive setting.

At the same time, the workshop confirmed that:

earlier clarification of what constitutes a relevant Innovation Fund project would benefit participants, and
more time is needed in the practical project discussions to allow deeper case-specific feedback.

For future editions, Energy Valley sees clear value in engaging with interested companies earlier in the process, through short preparatory webinars and/or individual meetings ahead of physical workshops.

What this means for Energy Valley Members

Innovation Fund remains a highly relevant instrument for large-scale, impactful energy and decarbonisation projects – but it requires long-term preparation and realistic timing.

Energy Valley will continue to support members by:

providing early-stage guidance and reality checks,
facilitating dialogue with experienced advisors and evaluators, and
helping companies navigate the wider landscape of EU and national funding opportunities.

If your company is exploring project ideas that could be relevant for EU funding – whether in the short or longer term – we encourage you to reach out for a dialogue.

Key contacts for EU funding advisory

Energy Valley
Knut Linnerud – EU Advisor
📧 knut.linnerud@energyvalley.com
🌐 www.energyvalley.com

Innovayt
Daniel Gomes – Senior Consultant
📧 danielgomes@innovayt.eu
🌐 www.innovayt.eu

REspire
Erlend Aamodt – Managing Partner
📧 erlend@respire.icu
🌐 www.respire.icu

The Energy Future with Martin

*Martin Kjäll-Ohlsson*, *Executive Vice President / Managing Director Vergia* AS

This article is part of Energy Future, a video series featuring Energy Valley members and their vision for tomorrow’s energy landscape.

Jump to the bottom for Martin’s full video

Taking Risks to Realize Hydrogen Projects: Vergia’s Role in the Energy Transition

Martin Kjäll-Ohlsson is the Managing Director of Vergia AS, a hydrogen project development platform dedicated to advancing the energy transition. Vergia’s impact lies in its willingness to take risks in the early phases of hydrogen project development; risks that not all companies are prepared to take on. By stepping into this role, Vergia helps realize projects that might otherwise never get off the ground.

🔗 The Red Thread: Tackling Challenges

For Kjäll-Ohlsson, no two days look the same. With development activities spread across Northern Europe, his work is defined by variety and challenge. “A typical day doesn’t really exist,” he explains. “But generally speaking, understanding the challenges our teams have, and helping them solve them, is perhaps the red thread across the development activities that we have.”

This hands-on approach – interacting with development teams, following up with owners, and navigating obstacles – keeps Vergia agile and responsive in a fast-moving industry.

🌐 Collaboration… and a focus on the next generation

As Kjäll-Ohlsson notes, Vergia is part of Energy Valley because collaboration is central to its mission. He points out that membership provides opportunities to connect with other companies to exchange ideas, and learn from one another’s challenges.

“There are many benefits of being a member of Energy Valley,” Kjäll-Ohlsson states. “First and foremost, it enables good collaboration between companies. Secondly, we get ideas. We learn about challenges that other companies have. And perhaps they can learn from us, too.”

Energy Valley’s platform strengthens competitiveness and helps members generate new business opportunities together. Just as importantly, it plays a role in inspiring the next generation to join the energy industry. “Without new, young, smart, bright minds, the energy transition will not happen,” Kjäll-Ohlsson emphasizes.

🌱 Motivation and Impact

Energy is something everyone needs, and for Kjäll-Ohlsson, that universality is motivating. “At Vergia, it gives me motivation to work here because I feel that we have an impact and I can contribute positively to the energy transition.”

By owning and supporting development companies in the hydrogen space, Vergia positions itself as a catalyst for innovation and progress.

🔮 A Vision for the Energy Future

Kjäll-Ohlsson’s vision for the future of energy is one of abundance, accessibility, and collaboration.

“It’s a future where energy is abundant and quite affordable for all people,” he says. “It’s also a future where we don’t fight over energy, but where we collaborate over energy. And it’s a future where energy is not only accessible, but it’s also an industry providing good jobs, exciting roles, and value to the societies we live in.”

This vision underscores the importance of both technological innovation and human collaboration: ensuring that energy remains a source of opportunity, not conflict. And it’s a vision Energy Valley is proud to share!

The Energy Future with Sille

This article is part of Energy Future, a video series featuring Energy Valley members and their vision for tomorrow’s energy landscape.

Jump to the bottom for Sille’s full video

Floating offshore wind: Unlocking new horizons in the energy transition with DNV

Sille Grjotheim, Global Segment Director for Floating Offshore Wind at DNV, is working to ensure that floating offshore wind becomes a cost-efficient and scalable industry. Her mission is clear: to push boundaries so that countries and regions where floating solutions are essential can accelerate their renewable energy ambitions.

🌐 Opportunities and Impact

For Grjotheim, motivation comes from both opportunity and impact. “I’ve been given a lot of opportunities, and I see there are lots of opportunities also in the future,” she reflects. Her role allows her to travel globally, meeting colleagues and customers, and contributing directly to the energy transition. Together, these collaborations are shaping a more sustainable future.

🤝 The Value of Collaboration

DNV’s membership in Energy Valley provides access to seminars, member events, and networking opportunities that strengthen collaboration across the energy ecosystem. These platforms help connect industry leaders and innovators, ensuring that Norwegian expertise remains competitive and relevant in the global energy transition.

🌬️ The Role of Floating Offshore Wind

Offshore wind is a cornerstone of renewable energy, but as Grjotheim points out, space for bottom-fixed installations is limited. Floating offshore wind offers a vital solution, expanding possibilities for clean energy generation in deeper waters and new geographies. “I believe floating offshore wind will play an important role in the future of energy and in making the energy transition happen.”

Recap: Subsea Seminar

*The audience taking in one of the presentations*

The subsea event on November 18th, 2025, gathered around 100 participants and created an engaging arena for discussing how Norway can maintain and strengthen its global subsea position toward 2030–2050. There was strong participation from across the industry: operators, suppliers, technology companies, and other industry representatives.

Opening of the Seminar

The seminar was opened with a welcome from Anne Line Haugen, Event and Marketing Advisor at Energy Valley, who handed the floor to Preben Strøm, the main moderator throughout the program.

Preben introduced the seminar theme: emphasizing the subsea industry as one of Norway’s strongest technological pillars, and a key enabler for both efficient oil and gas production and new value chains such as CCS and offshore wind.

Presentations and industry insights

The seminar featured several strong contributions from leading industry actors:

Equinor presented the development of All Electric Subsea and lessons from the Fram Sør project, the first deployment of the eVXT unit. The presentation highlighted how standardization and deep operator collaboration can reduce costs, accelerate field development, and support future tie-backs.
Aker BP shared insights from its highly efficient field development model, the Subsea Alliance concept, and how standardized, reusable, and digital solutions contribute to reduced costs and timely project execution.
4Subsea highlighted how data, sensor technology, and predictive analytics provide improved decision support and can extend asset lifetime, reduce emissions, and enhance integrity across subsea infrastructure.
OneSubsea presented its technology roadmap for the next generation of subsea systems, with a strong focus on modularization, collaboration, and reducing environmental footprint.
DNV provided a long-term perspective on subsea’s role in the energy transition toward 2050 and 2060, including global subsea market growth and the importance of standardization, digitalization, and integrated energy systems.

Panel discussion

Following the presentations, we moved into a panel discussion, moderated by Knut Linnerud (Energy Valley), with an exceptionally active audience, contributing the majority of the questions. This resulted in a dynamic and insightful dialogue about the future of subsea solutions.

Key discussion themes included:

How Norway can strengthen its international subsea position toward 2050
Transferring offshore oil and gas competence to CCS, offshore wind, and new value chains
Balancing long-term gas demand toward 2060 with the need for energy transition
Digitalization, standardization, and collaboration as key industry drivers
Regulatory and market mechanisms needed to accelerate innovation and investment

Closing

Preben Strøm closed the seminar with a brief summary of key takeaways, thanking the speakers and participants for their engagement and contributions to an important discussion on the opportunities and transformations facing the subsea industry.

What’s next?

The subsea industry remains one of the most pressing energy topics of our time. As a follow-up to the strong engagement from the November event, Energy Valley is planning the next Subsea member event in March 2026. This event will also be in person.

We are currently exploring collaboration with one of our key industry partners to host a combined site visit and seminar, giving members exclusive insight into state-of-the-art subsea facilities and forward-looking technology developments. Details regarding location, host and exact date will be announced shortly, so stay tuned! This will be a unique opportunity to meet industry peers, see cutting-edge subsea technology up close, and gain insight into the innovations shaping the next decade.

BalticSeaH2 awarded Hydrogen Valley of the Year

The €33 million BalticSeaH2 project is building a hydrogen valley across the Baltic Sea region, connecting hydrogen production, distribution, processing and use.

The European H2 Valley of the Year Award honours exceptional achievements in the development and implementation of Hydrogen Valleys. Criteria for the evaluation are breakthroughs in project implementation, outstanding efforts in covering the value chain, hydrogen volume produced/used in the valley, the stakeholders’ landscape and involvement, as well as the innovation level.

BalticSeaH2 builds the first significant, cross-border hydrogen valley in Europe. The goal is to create an integrated hydrogen economy around the Baltic Sea to enable self-sufficiency of energy and minimise carbon emissions from different industries. Combining local areas into a broader valley supports creating a genuinely integrated, interregional hydrogen economy, which has not been done previously on this scale in Europe.

“This award highlights that a European hydrogen economy will only succeed if it is built together across borders. Large-scale cooperation in the Baltic Sea region proves that shared ambition can drive real progress”, says Jatta Jussila, CEO of CLIC Innovation.

The project started in 2023 and runs for five years. The consortium includes 40 partners from nine Baltic Sea region countries: Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Germany, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, with Energy Valley leading the Norway-specific Connected Valley activities. The project is coordinated by CLIC Innovation, an open innovation cluster based in Finland, that facilitates RDI cooperation across sectors for the sustainability transition. Gasgrid Vetyverkot is a facilitator for the collaboration in the project.

“The BalticSeaH2 project is important for moving the hydrogen economy – and energy transition – forward in Europe,” says Energy Valley CEO, Vibeke Østlyngen. “We’re proud to be a part of it and excited to see it get such positive, well-deserved attention.”

The funder, Clean Hydrogen Partnership, presented awards to its leading projects at a ceremony on 24 November 2025. The Clean Hydrogen Partnership is a public-private partnership supporting research and innovation activities in the hydrogen sector across Europe. Through this partnership, BalticSeaH2 is co-funded by the European Union.

*Susanna Kupiainen accepted the award on behalf of the valley.*

The Energy Future with Alexander

*Alexander Risøy, CEO of Init in Norway*

This article is part of Energy Future, a video series featuring Energy Valley members and their vision for tomorrow’s energy landscape.

Jump to the bottom for Alexander’s full video

Driving electrification beneath the surface: Init Norway’s vision for energy

Alexander Risøy, CEO of Init in Norway, leads the Norwegian branch of one of the largest automation companies in the Nordics, with a team of 850 specialists. The company plays a key role in advancing offshore electrification, particularly through its investment in subsea Variable Speed Drives (VSDs). These technologies enable pumps and motors to operate subsea, opening new possibilities for efficient and sustainable energy solutions.

For Risøy, the motivation for what he does comes from impact: “When you get feedback that what you have done has moved the world forward in the right direction, that’s something that is really motivating.”

🌐 Collaboration Through Energy Valley

Init has been a member of Energy Valley since the cluster’s inception. For Risøy, the value lies in bringing the right people together. As he notes, membership provides opportunities to connect with companies and individuals that members might not otherwise encounter, fostering collaboration across the energy ecosystem.

“Energy Valley ensures the competitiveness of Norwegian industry, especially in this geographic area,” Risøy explains. “And even more broadly, Energy Valley helps ensure that Norway is competitive in the international arena.”

Collaboration is a key theme for making the energy transition happen, according to Risøy. And as he notes, through workshops, networking, and shared initiatives – through that collaboration – Energy Valley helps strengthen Norway’s position in the global energy transition.

🔋 A Vision for the Energy Future

Norway has long benefited from secure access to energy, but Risøy emphasizes the importance of extending that reliability worldwide. His vision is clear: a future where energy is not only secure, but also sustainable and accessible across the globe.

“My ideal energy future is that we, globally, have reliable, secure, sustainable energy. That’s the energy future I would like to see.”

Watch the full video with Alexander:

The Energy Future with Tine

*Tine Uberg Nærland*, Research Director of Energy Systems at IFE

Jump to the bottom for Tine’s full video

Solving Tomorrow’s Energy Challenges Today: A Glimpse Inside IFE

In the heart of Norway’s energy innovation landscape, the Institute for Energy Technology (IFE) stands as a beacon of scientific problem-solving and sustainable ambition. Heading up its Energy Systems division is Tine Uberg Nærland, a physicist and research director whose passion for collaboration and cutting-edge technology is helping shape the future of energy.

🔬 A Hub of Energy Innovation

IFE is no ordinary research institute. Specializing in energy technologies, its work spans sectors such as solar power, energy storage – including batteries and hydrogen – corrosion technology, and advanced flow simulation and modelling.

“You can basically throw any problem at us, and we will be able to solve it,” says Nærland with a smile.

The team at IFE is composed of highly skilled and deeply committed scientists. Their motivation stems not just from intellectual curiosity, but from a shared mission: to tackle global energy challenges and make the world a better place.

🤝 Strengthening Collaboration Across the Energy Sector

IFE is a long-time member of Energy Valley where, as Tine notes, membership provides valuable opportunities to engage with a broad spectrum of companies working across the energy value chain. From established industry players to emerging startups, this network fosters meaningful connections and knowledge exchange.

“The biggest benefit for IFE being a member of Energy Valley is of course the network with the companies,” Nærland explains. “But it’s also the events and workshops where very important topics are addressed… where we really see where the challenges lie ahead.”

These collaborative spaces foster dialogue, insight, and alignment across sectors; an essential ingredient for accelerating the transition to renewable energy.

🌍 Toward an Electrified Future

Nærland envisions a future where fossil fuels are replaced by renewables, and where industries work together to build an electrified, sustainable energy system. “We need the different sectors and industries to work together and understand each other,” she emphasizes.

It’s a vision rooted in cooperation, innovation, and the belief that science – when paired with strong networks – can drive transformative change.

Watch the full video with Tine:

Meet our CEO and Chairperson

*Energy Valley CEO Vibeke Østlyngen and Chairperson Vilde Bjerknes*

You might have noticed there have been a few changes at Energy Valley in the last several months. However, while we announced a shift in CEOs, we haven’t spoken broadly about our new Chairperson of the Board yet. So, we’d like to take the opportunity now to introduce you to our new Chairperson, as well as go a bit more in-depth with our CEO in this interview with the two of them.

In Q3 2025, Vibeke Østlyngen stepped into the role of (interim) CEO after having worked in Energy Valley as the Head of Projects and Administration since 2023. Around the same time, Vilde Bjerknes, who has been a member of the Board for over a year, stepped into the role of Chairperson of the Board.

Now, while it’s human nature to be nervous about change, the latest changes in Energy Valley leadership are not so much massive changes as they are a natural shift with a renewed focus on what the cluster needs to continue to grow and bring additional value to our members.

“For the Energy Valley cluster, I think the role change represents stability and continuity,” confirms Vibeke. “There will be a continuation in the cluster administration, as I have been in Energy Valley since the end of 2023, and worked closely with both the previous CEOs Preben Strøm and Bjørn Ottar Elseth.”

The sentiment was similar from Vilde who said, “I don’t think the change will be jarring, as I will be continuing on much of the work from my predecessors. As Chair of the Board, I have the opportunity to follow the Energy Valley administration closely through Vibeke, and what excites me is the opportunity to support the good work being done among the members and catered for by the Energy Valley team. I truly believe that clusters like Energy Valley play an important role in developing the energy industry, and I look forward to continuing to be a part of it.”

Continuity and collaboration

Having already worked together for some time now, both women see collaboration as one of the key strengths going forward.

“The way I see it, my role is twofold: make sure the Board functions as a place where we can discuss and set a direction for Energy Valley that reflects the needs and expectation of the members,” says Vilde. “In addition, I will support Vibeke in executing the strategy the best I can; I hope to be a valuable sparring partner for her and the team, helping enable Vibeke, together with the administration, in ensuring Energy Valley delivers on the projects and cluster activities from day-to-day.”

“In Energy Valley, we are fortunate to have an active and supporting Board focusing on the future of the cluster, and caring for how we support our members,” confirms Vibeke. “Vilde and I support each other in driving Energy Valley forward – I focus on the operational part and she more so on the strategic side.”

And as Vibeke likes to say, “Cooperation, curiosity, and an open mind will always bring us forward faster.”

What does success look like?

As Vilde points out, the energy business is in the middle of a transformation, presenting both significant opportunities and some challenges for our members.

“Energy Valley has a solid member base and a well-established approach to supporting the members in developing their business accordingly,” she notes. “But funding may be a challenge going forward, and I believe that we must look for extended cooperation and potentially new structures to secure a robust cluster for the future.”

“Success in the cluster is seeing the members and partners being activity involved preparing the energy system for the future,” says Vibeke. “For the cluster administration, that means we are facilitating a good environment for collaboration.”

Part of facilitating that good environment is having a broad understanding of what other organisations in the energy space – and even other nations – are focusing on and continuously developing industry knowledge. Later this month, Vibeke and Vilde are paying a visit to the Danish energy cluster to do exactly that.

“We sometimes work together with Energy Cluster Denmark on projects, such as a cooperation project with Energy Cluster Denmark funded by Viken, and the currently on-going BalticSeaH2 project,” says Vibeke, “and really appreciate the opportunity for knowledge-sharing with them.”

Keeping the members front and centre

No matter who you ask in Energy Valley, the members are always the primary focus for all of us. And if you are a member (or considering becoming one!), we’d like to hear from you.

“To deliver value, we must understand our members’ needs, so I encourage everyone to suggest and promote activities they find valuable. Energy Valley should be defined by its members. The role of both the team and the board is simply to support the community and help it thrive,” concludes Vilde.

BalticSeaH2 podcasts are live!

Episode 1

Episode 2

Risk Landscape and Security in the Energy Sector

Update from FEL

Invitation to Energi2050 work meetings (in Norwegian)

Invitation to Energi2050 work meetings (in Norwegian)

Risk Landscape and Security in the Energy Sector

Update from FEL