Turning opportunities into projects

For companies developing technologies in the energy transition space, knowing where to look for funding — and how to approach it — can be as important as the technology itself. On 25 March, ETN gathered members for a seminar dedicated to exactly that: a practical and up-to-date overview of the Norwegian funding landscape for innovation and energy projects.

The seminar brought together five funding bodies — Enova, the Research Council of Norway, Innovation Norway, Forregion Rogaland, and the Ulla-Førre Fund — each presenting their current programmes, priorities for 2026, and practical advice for navigating the application process. Participants had the opportunity to ask questions directly, cutting through complexity in a way that few other settings allow.

Significant funding available — but preparation is key

The picture that emerged was one of real opportunity. Funding is available across the full technology development journey — from early-stage research and piloting to demonstration, commercialisation, and international growth. Enova has programmes covering CCS, hydrogen, surplus energy utilisation, and offshore wind, with individual project support reaching up to EUR 30 million. The Research Council of Norway is distributing NOK 220 million for environment-friendly energy projects this year, while Innovation Norway has NOK 200 million available through its environmental technology scheme. For regionally anchored projects, both Forregion Rogaland and the Ulla-Førre Fund offer targeted instruments for companies at earlier stages of development.

What tied the presentations together was a consistent message: the funding is there, but accessing it requires preparation, clarity of purpose, and a solid understanding of where your project fits within the system.

The value of shared experience

Two ETN members added an important dimension to the day by sharing their own firsthand experiences with the Norwegian funding system. Majduline El Haj El Tahir from Kurtala Green Ammonia and Kristian Solhaug from Interwell spoke about their respective journeys. This exchange of experience reflects an important aspect of ETN’s work: providing access not only to information, but also to practical insight from companies that have already been through the process.

By bringing funding bodies and member companies into the same room, ETN accelerates the path from project idea to financial backing, and ensures that the innovations being developed within the network have the best possible conditions to succeed.