NTNU Energy Transition Podcast

Michael Liebreich, an investor and founder of Bloomberg New Energy Finance, discusses why oil majors like Shell and BP are pulling back on renewables amid a climate crisis. He suggests this retreat is a short-term strategy rather than a complete U-turn, driven by immediate profit motives. Liebreich dives into the complexities of energy investments and critiques the narratives surrounding the transition. He emphasizes the importance of sustained financing, innovative solutions, and policy changes to enhance the appeal of renewable technologies.

Ane Torvanger Brunvoll, Head of the Energy System Section at NVE, dives into Norway's electricity challenges as consumption grows and production remains stable. She discusses potential electricity shortages and the evolving energy mix, emphasizing the crucial role of hydropower. The surge in heat pump installations is explored as a response to rising prices. Brunvoll examines the impact of renewable energy technologies and the complexities of integrating new solutions like hydrogen, setting the stage for a resilient energy future.

Per Arne Solend, VP of M&A and Insights at Equinor, sheds light on the intricate dance between fossil fuels and renewable energy. He discusses Equinor's strategy for mergers and acquisitions, revealing how the company balances investments in offshore wind and battery technologies with its legacy oil operations. Solend also dives into the challenges of timing investments amid market fluctuations and the critical role of battery technology in supporting renewable energy stability. Tune in for insights on navigating the complex energy landscape!

In this episode, we explore the feasibility of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and Norway's potential role as a global hub for their production. I am joined by three distinguished guests: Anders Fagernæs, Vice President of Sustainability at Norwegian Air Shuttle; Steven Gillard, Regional Director – Europe and METACA Sustainability; and Karl Hauptmeier, Managing Director of Norsk e-Fuel. Recorded in Norwegian Air Shuttle's hangar at Oslo Gardermoen Airport, the conversation covers Boeing's partnership with Norsk e-Fuel, the challenges and opportunities for scaling SAF, and how policy and innovation can drive aviation decarbonization. The discussion delves into competing technologies like hydrogen and electric propulsion, industry goals for 2030 and 2050, and the critical need for collaboration across sectors. Tune in to learn about the future of clean aviation and Norway’s position in this transition.

In this episode we look at a debated topic in the energy sector today: the role of nuclear power. Joined by Professor Magnus Korpås, Vice Director of NTNU Energy at NTNU, and Dr. Martin Hjelmeland, a postdoc with expertise in nuclear research, the discussion covers the potential and pitfalls of nuclear energy in Norway and Europe. From the promise of small modular reactors (SMRs) to the challenges of nuclear waste management and public acceptance, this episode explores how nuclear can potentially help us achieve our 2050 decarbonization goals. The conversation also highlights cutting-edge research on nuclear’s role in energy systems and debates the economic viability of nuclear technologies versus renewables like wind and solar. Tune in for a nuanced discussion on one of the more polarizing topics in energy today.

In this discussion, Arvid Nesse, cluster manager for Norwegian Offshore Wind and head of the METCentre, unveils Norway's pioneering position in floating offshore wind technology. He shares the fascinating story behind the METCentre, home to the world's first floating wind turbine. The conversation dives into the transition of oil and gas experts to renewable energy, ongoing collaborative projects, and the need for rapid deployment of offshore initiatives. Arvid highlights the future prospects for cost-effective offshore wind energy and Norway's potential to lead the global market.

Jonas Alexandersson, Founder and co-director of Æge Energy, shares insights on future-proofing Norway's energy grid. He discusses the rising electricity demands from electrification in oil and gas and the expanding data center industry. Explore the complexities of grid connections and the need for reliable distribution amid renewable energy integration. Jonas highlights the role of digitization and innovative solutions like virtual batteries in enhancing grid stability. Ultimately, he reveals how Norway can navigate challenges for a sustainable energy future.

Tim Heijn, Managing Director of Northern Lights, shares his extensive expertise from major companies like Shell and TotalEnergies while diving into Europe's largest carbon capture and storage project. He discusses how Northern Lights plays a pivotal role in Norway’s Longship initiative, the innovative infrastructure for CO2 transport, and the market challenges. Heijn emphasizes the importance of building trust among stakeholders, government support for CCS, and the future potential of utilizing depleted gas fields for sustainable solutions.

In this engaging discussion, Benedikt Franke, CEO of the Munich Security Conference and a leading voice in energy security, delves into how energy has been wielded as a weapon in today’s geopolitical arena. He highlights the evolution from historical oil crises to the modern threats posed by Russia and China. The conversation reveals the growing interdependence of energy with global peace and security, stressing the need for new frameworks to navigate today's challenges. It also touches on Norway's lithium resources and the critical role of international cooperation amid climate change.

Henrik Sætness, Executive Vice President at Statkraft and a key figure in renewable energy, shares valuable insights on revolutionizing energy production. He discusses the company's strategic shift from hydro to a diverse focus on wind and solar across 20 countries. Sætness highlights the challenges posed by geopolitical events, particularly the implications of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He also emphasizes the need for collaboration to tackle complex issues in energy production and the evolving opportunities in offshore wind and sustainable investments.