Transferring knowledge from oil and gas to new energy solutions

Valley Voice – a column where our cluster members are in focus. This week we talked with Alexander Fjeldly, Vice President of Structural Integrity and Environment at FORCE Technology. 

– We see offshore wind as a big opportunity, as many of the solutions that we have developed for oil and gas are directly transferrable, says Fjeldly.

1. What are you doing right now?

Right now, we are finalizing 2021 by looking back at our successes and opportunities for learning and improvement. We are using this in order to set new goals for 2022 and onwards. We are also delivering a range of new and exciting projects that takes us further into digital services, IOT, and the expansion of our cloud solutions. Finally, we are recruiting for some exciting positions, and I get to contact interesting candidates for interviews.

2. What are the biggest challenges and opportunities in the future?

The biggest challenge is to stay on post for our clients in Oil & Gas while transitioning to new areas such as offshore wind, where we see a lot of opportunities and projects. It is easy to be seduced by the “new”, but equally challenging to stay focused on future business when highly interesting projects keep us on our toes. It’s a balance, and we need to focus on both. One of our core business activities is integrity management of offshore structures and we are super excited about offshore wind. We see offshore wind as a big opportunity, as many of the solutions that we have developed for oil and gas are directly transferrable. In addition, we also see a huge potential for our Clean Air department that focuses on measuring air pollution and helping our customers reduce their emissions.

3. How is FORCE Technology working to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050?

FORCE Technology on the corporate level has set very ambitious goals with a clear path towards building a sustainable society with climate, resources, and health in focus. We want to accelerate the green transition by scaling up and developing new solutions within wind energy and power-to-X. We are strengthening our efforts within responsible consumption and production by expanding our solutions within resource optimization, recycling, materials technology, and elongation of the lifespan of products. We will contribute to improved health by research and technology development within life sciences. Our broader aim is to develop solutions that help our customers reach their sustainability goals and perform work according to the UN sustainability goals. On a more tangible level, FORCE Technology Norway is certified according to 14001, which means that we are on a path to continuous improvement for our environmental footprint and the things we do every day, such as reducing waste and energy consumption.

4. What keeps you awake at night with regards to the energy transition?

I think Norway, as a nation, is somewhat late to the party for offshore wind. Most of the exciting projects in offshore wind are taking place elsewhere, and supply chains are therefore being built elsewhere. With all the competencies related to offshore oil & gas, we should have everything going for us. Having said that, I think there are many great projects in planning, and it’s really good to see that companies such as Equinor, Aibel, and ABB are winning big projects on the international scene. On the corporate level, FORCE Technology has been part of wind power development since the very beginning, and we have a name in the industry. That’s one of the major benefits of being part of a Danish technology foundation.

5. What do you think will be the most valuable thing about being a member of Energy Valley?

I like the networking part. I think the team at Energy Valley is really good at helping its members help each other succeed and stimulate problem-solving across businesses.

6. Is there any book that has inspired you in the way you lead?

One of the most inspiring and easy to read is “Good strategy/Bad strategy” by Richard Rumelt. I found the book by Safi Bahcall called “Loonshots: How to nurture the Crazy Ideas That win wars, cure diseases and Transform Industries” to have some excellent perspectives on innovation. I also want to highlight the book Expanding your Leadership by Dagrun Dvergsdal.

7. Which Energy Valley member do you want to pass the baton on to? 

Hewlett Packard Enterprise!

Thank you, Alexander!