Bjørgulf Haukelidsæter Eidesen is new CEO at Arda Energy

Bjørgulf Haukelidsæter Eidesen has been appointed as the new CEO of Arda Energy, the first company to emerge from Energy Transition Norway’s cluster project portfolio. With extensive experience in scaling industrial ventures and a strong European hydrogen network, Eidesen now steps in to lead Arda into its next chapter of international market launch.

– They’ve already done the hard part, he says.

– The technology is qualified and piloted. My job now is to position Arda Energy for international growth.

From CCS pioneer to hydrogen scale-up

Eidesen brings 15 years of experience from Equinor, followed by a pivotal role as CEO of Horisont Energi, Norway’s first carbon capture and storage company. His track record includes building full-scale clean energy companies from day one, securing major public funding, and navigating complex European investment environments.

– I helped launch Barents Blue, one of the first large-scale clean ammonia projects in Europe and globally. Many have since followed a similar model. I’ve built a broad hydrogen and investor network across Europe, and I see clear potential to do the same for Arda Energy.

With extensive experience in engineering and commercial finance, Eidesen emphasizes the importance of combining technical depth with business development.

Lessons from uncertainty

When asked about his previous leadership at Horisont Energi, which recently downsized amid market hesitation, Eidesen reflects that:

– Horisont was geographically fixed to one project in Norway. Arda is structured differently. We are a technology provider positioned to serve the most forward-leaning hydrogen and biogas markets in Europe and beyond. That gives us flexibility to move where the opportunity is greatest. They’re two very different companies with two very different logics.

Arda Energy has developed a technology that can dramatically reduce the cost of green hydrogen production - an issue Eidesen believes has held back the sector.

– Europe has seen many hydrogen projects postponed or cancelled because of cost. Arda Energy can produce green hydrogen far more affordably. Now it’s about getting that message out, building partnerships and preparing for a phased market launch.

While specific countries have not yet been announced, he confirms the team has a clear market strategy and will reveal targets market by market.

Ready for scale

Arda Energy’s roots run deep in Energy Transition Norway. As the cluster’s first collaborative industry innovation project, it has been supported extensively by its partners and the cluster administration.

– It’s extremely valuable to have a platform like ETN that actively supports energy technology startups, Eidesen says.

– Norway has generally lagged behind in developing effective startup ecosystems, especially outside Oslo and Bergen. Having initiatives like this is good for the country, the region and for companies like Arda Energy.

He points to the current strength of the oil industry as potentially misleading:

– Let’s not forget, the sector is booming largely due to tax packages following the 2020 energy crisis and Covid-19. The boom is a temporary condition. We need to prepare for what comes next.

You never know where the best idea might come from

When asked what kind of leader he hopes to be, Eidesen describes himself as having a hands-on, collaborative style.

– I try to lead by example by doing first what I expect others to do. I’m open, grounded, and I invite ideas and challenges from the team. You never know where the best idea might come from.

Eidesen takes on his new role as CEO in Arda Energy from July 1st 2025.