ETN annual meeting and summer party

Energy Transition Norway gathered board members, parties of its Technical Commitee, collaboration partners, and member companies for its annual meeting and summer party on August 21.

The evening offered professional insights, exciting updates from member companies, and magic entertainment from a highly invested chair!

Artificial intelligence in the energy transition

The main theme of the evening was artificial intelligence (AI) and how the technology can generate real value in the energy transition.

André Brodtkorb, Head of Department at OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University, opened the session with an engaging introduction to AI and its rapid journey from research to practical tools.

ETNs new board member, Frank Emil Moen from Energy Innovation, a company specializing in GWO certifications, education, and R&D activities related to onshore and offshore wind and environmental technology, then led an inspiring panel discussion covering a broad range of perspectives, from research and education to industrial technology development.

Edmary Altamiranda shared insights from her work in Aker BP’s R&D department. She has been applying AI since the 1990s - and her experience spans field architecture optimization, digital twins, and subsea wireless communication technology development.

Tom Ryen, Head of the department of electrical engineering and computer science at the University of Stavanger, with a PhD in digital signal processing, emphasized that knowledge is key to successful AI adoption. He stressed the importance of universities and colleges offering education that combines technological expertise with strong subject matter foundations.

Terje Hauan, CTO at Seid explained how his company uses AI to optimize processes in converting natural gas into new green value chains such as hydrogen and carbon-based materials.

– I usually say that with AI, I have access to 25 PhDs in my company, even though only five employees actually hold one. It’s a gamechanger, Hauan said.‍

‍Knut Husdal, Founder and CEO of Novatech, shared how his company uses AI to model complex industrial processes.

– In just a few seconds, we can calculate the effects of process changes on a platform or in a refinery. This insight can deliver enormous benefits, and we recently helped a company reduce its emissions by 60,000 tons of CO₂ simply by rerouting the oil differently on a field, Husdal explained.

He also highlighted how AI can strengthen the business case for renewable energy projects, such as floating offshore wind:

– What we can do with AI is calculate ROI in real time. For an oil platform, we can show how much wind power can replace gas power, what that means in terms of carbon costs, how many quotas are freed up, and what economic value that creates. This allows us to present customers with a solid business case showing that these projects actually pay off.

The discussion clearly showed that AI is no longer just a buzzword, but a tool that can drive emission reductions, cost savings, and new business opportunities.

Several ETN partners, member companies and cluster projects also got the opportunity to present short status updates:

• Risavika Hydrogen Hub – Ying Guo
• Aarbakke Innovation – Hans Fjellanger
• Sine Delta – Mirjam Engelsvold
• Arda Energy – Bjørgulf Haukelidsæter Eidesen
• Sustainable Energy – Linn Therese Erve
• Innovation Dock – Nils-Henrik Stokke
• Caox – Ole Jacob Sanda

These presentations offered an interesting glimpse into the diverse work underway in the cluster – from hydrogen and sustainable energy to innovation environments and new technology.

ETN Chair Tor Arnesen put the finishing touch on the evening with his famous magic show, once again leaving the audience impressed.

A big thank you to everyone who contributed with content, perspectives, and experiences – and to all who joined us and made this year’s summer party a memorable evening!

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