Nordic Energy Research

Energy transition in the Nordics: How do we unite security and climate goals? This summer Nordic Energy Research will take part in Folkemødet, SuomiAreena, Almedalsveckan, and Arendalsuka, to focus on the green energy transition in the Nordics and its important role in both energy security and climate goals. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has shown how energy infrastructure can become a target during wartime. The Nordic energy system is deeply integrated, but how resilient is it when put to the test? When the pandemic hit the world, it exposed both the strengths and weaknesses of Nordic cooperation. Now, as the green transition needs to accelerate, strategic and sustainable investments are more crucial than ever. Which decisions will have the greatest impact? What role can each country play? And how can we build a greener, more resilient Nordic energy system together? Join us at the Nordic democracy festivals this summer for highly topical discussions on green energy security! More information, dates and venues: https://lnkd.in/d_rDNwnn 📸: Annelie Riggo, from last year's session in Almedalen. The Nordic Council of Ministers | Klaus Skytte | Ole Aune Ødegård | Andrea Stengel | Elina Sjölinder | Maria Eklöf

Welcome to the 𝗔𝗸𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘆𝗿𝗶 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗦𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿: 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝗔𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀! Join us in Akureyri, Iceland, on 6 May, for a seminar addressing green and resilient energy solutions for isolated communities. Co-hosted by the Net Zero Islands Network and the RECET project, the event aims to strengthen collaboration in the energy transition by gathering leading experts on energy transition policies and strategies to exchange knowledge and explore innovative solutions. 📅 6 May at 13:00–16:30 (GMT) 📍 Hof Cultural Center, Akureyri, Iceland 🔗 Registration: https://lnkd.in/dk69dNfb Ditte Stougaard Stiler | Torsten Oster Schmidt | Elvar Knútur Valsson | Michael Ross | Daniel Gear | Anna Månsson | Alexis Chatzimpiros | Sigurður Friðleifsson | Skúli Gunnar Árnason | Ottó Elíasson | Eimur | Icelandic New Energy

"Don't miss the chance to be a catalyst for change!" How can we best empower equality in the Nordic energy value chain – from research to end-use? This is the core question of the 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗰 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱, where we invite all kinds of stakeholders to contribute with solutions to the theme of this year – 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗰 𝗘𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆. We talked to Marie Claesson, Project Leader of Impact Innovation, Sweden's major innovation initiative to tackle the challenges of our time and the future, about the significance of this year's theme. Marie has significant experience of mobilising the skills needed for Sweden to succeed in electrification and the transition of energy systems, and in her work, it is evident that we must increase female participation and diversity. Thereby, we can ensure that all talent is utilised when addressing the challenges of a sustainable energy future. "The Nordic countries are known for their commitment to equality, yet the energy sector remains one of the least gender-diverse industries," says Claesson. "Therefore, the theme 'Powering Nordic Equality' is such a timely topic. For example, we see that many occupations and educational programmes related to electrification are male dominated. Achieving a more balanced gender structure would increase the chances of meeting skill demands related to an effective green transition." Besides the effectiveness of a green transition, Claesson also addresses the theme's potential to contribute to a just energy transition. "The energy transition is not only about moving towards a sustainable energy future but also about doing so in a way that promotes equality and inclusivity. By addressing the social and economic dimensions of the energy transition, we can create a more equitable and resilient society where everyone can thrive. This year's theme can add to this by highlighting the importance of gender equality and diversity in the energy sector," says Claesson. What would she like to convey to those who are considering taking part in the Nordic Energy Challenge 2025? "This is a unique opportunity to be part of a transformative movement that not only advances green energy transition but also champions equality and inclusivity. Your ideas and contributions can help shape a sustainable and just energy future for the Nordic region and beyond. Don't miss the chance to be a catalyst for change!" Claesson concludes. Submit your abstract by 1 April at 13:00 (CEST) at the latest.   Read more about the Nordic Energy Challenge 2025 at: https://lnkd.in/dNqWVV-u Energimyndigheten | Formas, ett forskningsråd för hållbar utveckling | Vinnova | Kraftkvinnorna | Kraftkvinnene | NIKK | Women in Green Hydrogen | WiRED | Konur í orkumálum (KÍO) | WOMEN IN ENERGY - ICELAND | The Nordic Council of Ministers | Klaus Skytte | Betty Søgård

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗰 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗺: 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀, 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 The energy sector plays a crucial role in strengthening our civilian preparedness for the future. This has been demonstrated not least by the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, where energy infrastructure is often targeted. Yesterday, this essential topic was in focus on the Nordic Day at the Finnish Embassy in Stockholm. In her keynote speech, Charlotte Petri Gornitzka, County Governor of Gotland and special investigator and national adviser on strengthening private-public cooperation in total defence, emphasised the important part energy plays in our lives, both in peacetime and in times of crisis: "Not a single day goes by without being reminded that as long as we have energy, we can provide food. We may also need transportation, but that too requires energy. No matter what product or service we focus on, it all comes down to one fundamental thing—energy." Nordic Energy Research's CEO, Klaus Skytte, highlighted the importance of increased Nordic cooperation to strengthen our preparedness for tackling uncertainties and the value of our integrated energy system: "One of the challenges we are looking at is how to increase self-sufficiency so that we do not become dependent on foreign fuels. This is something we need to address together in the Nordic region and find common Nordic solutions where our various strengths—from biomass to hydropower—support each other in a Nordic system, thus reducing our dependence on foreign fuels." Finishing off, Klaus emphasised the significance of maintaining public trust in the energy system’s ability to deliver in times of crisis, drawing a parallel to trust being the foundation of all Nordic cooperation. If you would like to take part of the discussion the seminar is available here: https://lnkd.in/gq_KeqVp Thank you The Nordic Council of Ministers, the Embassy of Finland to Sweden and Matts Lindqvist for a very interesting event. Foto: Miia Itänen Nordregio

⛴️ Green Sea Faroe is set to steer the Faroese shipping sector toward a green as well as profitable future, allowing other remote areas in the Nordic region to learn by example GHG emissions in the maritime sector have increased with 5.6% from 2012 to 2020. Addressing this issue is key in the sustainable energy transition, not least for the Faroe Islands, where maritime transportation is vital. Therefore, the Green Sea Faroe project, funded under the Nordic Maritime Transport and Energy Research Programme, aims to reduce GHG emissions from the Faroese shipping sector, while ensuring that the region’s economic growth aligns with environmental preservation. Xue-Song Bai, Project Manager of Green Sea Faroe and Professor at Lunds universitet, explains how the project promotes sustainable maritime practices: "Green Sea Faroe evaluates alternative fuels and explores integration of renewable energy into shipping, in alignment with IMO's GHG reduction targets. Through stakeholder engagement and policy recommendations, we aim to create a scalable model for sustainable maritime transport in remote island communities. By driving short-sea transport decarbonisation, it supports Nordic sustainability, bridges emission reduction gaps, and fosters eco-friendly maritime solutions for economic and environmental balance." Read more about the project at: https://lnkd.in/gxEDmF-c MEST Shipyard | Umhvørvisstovan - Faroese Environment Agency | World Maritime University | Ole Aune Ødegård | Ditte Stougaard Stiler

💡 Apply for our open call on Nordic Energy Systems!   In today's geopolitical setting, with a great need for energy security alongside the urgency of the green transition, the Nordic countries have a lot to gain from working together on energy system modelling. The Nordic Energy Systems Programme aims to strengthen the Nordic cooperation in this field, and we asked Helena Sarén, Head of Zero Carbon Future Mission, Business Finland, about the importance of such efforts.   "Cooperation in energy system modelling is crucial for strengthening autonomy and competitiveness. By sharing insights into energy system modelling, we can have more efficient energy solutions. As the amount of renewable energy increases, accurate modelling becomes essential to predict supply and demand, ensuring grid stability across interconnected systems," says Sarén. "In addition, joint efforts in modelling can help optimise resource allocation and consumption across various sectors."   Sarén also comments on the role of energy systems modelling from a sustainable and economic point of view.   "Enhanced collaboration within the Nordic energy systems can lead to a more integrated, efficient, and clean energy landscape, ultimately contributing to the region's goal of a fossil-free future. Collaboration can support the integration of various renewable energy sources into the energy mix, as well as help align policies, ensuring that all countries are working towards common goals. Additionally, we can enhance the adaptation of new innovative solutions and attract investments in sustainable technologies and infrastructure," she says.   What potential does the Nordic Energy Systems Programme have in this context? According to Sarén, the programme can support energy security in the face of geopolitical challenges and market fluctuations through enhanced cooperation.   "Energy system models are crucial for companies to make informed investment decision, and the Nordic Energy Systems Programme provides knowledge-based, systemic, and neutral future scenarios. By taking into account changes like new energy sources with increasing shares of fossil free energy, increased market flexibility, behavioural and demographic changes and changing policies, the programme can add to the resiliance of energy models to handle external shocks like geopolitics and extreme weather conditions," she concludes.   Read more and apply for the call at: https://lnkd.in/dj5CC2H4   Deadline for applications is 25 March at 10:00 (CET).   Norges forskningsråd | Danish Energy Agency | Energimyndigheten | Orkustofnun, Icelandic National Energy Authority | Ole Aune Ødegård | Maria Enge

Meet our new Head of Department, Elvar Valsson. Originally from Akureyri, Iceland, and previously working for the Nordic Council of Ministers in Copenhagen, Elvar brings valuable experiences to Nordic Energy Research.  “From my point of view, it is difficult not to be interested in energy. Growing up in Iceland, energy issues have always been a topic of conversation at the kitchen table or in the broader societal debate,” he says. Elvar describes himself in three words: ambitious, constructive, and positive. He also considers himself a strategic doer that thrives in a dynamic environment and enjoys taking on new challenges. “These characteristics have been shaped in previous roles, ranging from The Nordic Council of Ministers, the Icelandic Ministry for Business and Industry and the Icelandic innovation environment." Read the whole interview with Elvar at: https://lnkd.in/d_42U8fS

Nordens dag i Sverige: En hållbar energiomställning – för ett säkert Norden Ta del av programmet den 19 mars kl. 16:00! Nordens dag uppmärksammar samarbetet mellan Danmark, Finland, Island, Norge, Sverige, Färöarna, Grönland och Åland – det äldsta regionalpolitiska samarbetet i världen. För att fira detta äger en rad livestreamade evenemang rum under veckan i de nordiska och baltiska länderna, på temat beredskap. Energisektorn spelar en avgörande roll för att stödja vår beredskap inför framtiden, men också för att bli klimatneutrala. Därför kommer Nordens dag i Sverige den 19 mars att rikta fokus på en hållbar energiomställning för ett tryggt Norden. Hur vi kan stärka vårt energisamarbete för att stå bättre rustade i osäkra tider? Under evenemanget deltar Nordisk Energiforsknings direktör Klaus Skytte i en paneldiskussion om var vi hittar lösningarna på den gröna omställningens utmaningar, och vilka Nordens styrkepositioner är. 📅 19 Mars, kl. 16:00–17:45 📍 Finlands ambassad i Stockholm 🔗 Livestream: https://lnkd.in/gq_KeqVp The Nordic Council of Ministers | Åsa Pettersson | Energiföretagen Sverige | Mats Persson | Fortum | Martin Sangve | Hitachi Energy | Elin Slätmo | Nordregio | Ulrika Tornerefelt ☀️🔋 | Stella Futura | Karen Marie Sandgren | Nordic Energy Connection 

What is the latest in energy related academic research in the Vaasa region? Find out at the Research Exhibition of Energy next week, where the project Best4Grid part of our Nordic Grand Solutions Programme will be presented by Mona Enell-Nilsson, Research Director, University of Vaasa. 📅 19 March at 16:30–19:00 📍 The Art Hall in Vaasa city hall

🌱 Two new Bioenergy Value Chain projects Following the recent open call in the 𝗕𝗶𝗼𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗲, Nordic Energy Research is pleased to announce that two new research projects have been selected for funding: Bioenergy from Seaweed in Nordic Regions and HyCarbFuels. 𝗕𝗶𝗼𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗰 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 puts focus on developing and optimising value chains for seaweed-based bioenergy, capable of producing biogas, bio-oil, and bioethanol, thereby advancing the transition to fossil-free energy. 𝗛𝘆𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗙𝘂𝗲𝗹𝘀 aims to introduce innovative pathways to enhance fuel supply security, sustainability, and scalability in the Nordic bioeconomy, by focusing on solvent liquefaction of biowaste and integration with biogas and e-methane. "The two projects are taking on the core challenges of utilising biomass resources in the green energy transition," says Senior Adviser Lise Nielson, who administers the programme. "Through broad partnerships, both consortia will facilitate Nordic added value by creating an overview of recommendations for increased use of biomass waste streams for energy purposes, while at the same time fostering dialogue within the multifaceted stakeholder groups," she adds. Read more about the projects at: https://lnkd.in/d4mNDfsQ Nordic Forest Research (SNS) | Sean Scully | University of Akureyri | Nordic Folkecenter for Renewable Energy | Preben Birr-Pedersen | TARI - Faroe Seaweed | Umhvørvisstovan - Faroese Environment Agency | Aalborg University | Crossbridge Energy | Biogas Danmark | Vesthimmerlands Kommune | Norges teknisk-naturvitenskapelige universitet (NTNU) | Silva Green Fuel | Steven Gust | VTT | European Biogas Association | The Nordic Council of Ministers