On August 18th at 09.00–10.30 (CEST), the event Energihovedstaden: Framtidens energiforsyning blir hybrid (“The energy capital: The energy supply of the future goes hybrid”) takes place at Arendal Week. The energy capital in question refers to the city of Stavanger, and Nordic Energy Research’s Stavanger-bred Senior Adviser Kevin Johnsen is participating in the panel debate.

Other panelists are Andreas Bjelland Eriksen, State Secretary at the Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy, Jannicke Hilland, Group Manager at Eviny, Terje Halleland, Parliamentary Representative at Stortinget, Kristin Skofteland, CCO and Legal Counsel Beyonder AS, Beyonder, Øyvind Vesterdal, CEO of Norsk Solar, and Bjørgulf Haukelidsæter Eidesen, CEO of Horisont Energi. They will discuss ways of utilizing energy smarter in Norway, in light of the country’s abundance of hydropower and the energy scarcity in Europe. How can Norway be innovative in terms of energy supply? How are we able to bring about an integrated effort that makes use of solar power, biogases, thermal power, and hydrogen/ammonia? What are the challenges and opportunities in this transition?

Kevin Johnsen approaches these questions drawing from the results of Nordic Clean Energy Scenarios. The Nordic region already has the necessary resources to become carbon neutral – now we need co-operation, increased efforts, and acceptance of the changes.

The event is hosted onboard Rygerelektra, a fully electric ship owned by Lars Rødne.

Arendal Week is the greatest venue for politics and business in Norway, with the mission of strengthening the belief in political empowerment and democracy through open debate and involvement. During this week (August 15th–19th), the city of Arendal will be filled with a variety of interesting and educational exhibitions and events.

Further representation

Besides Kevin Johnsen, Nordic Energy Research’s Adviser Marton Leander Vølstad takes part in the Arendal Week event Havet – må vi velge mellom beskyttelse eller benyttelse? (“The ocean – do we have to choose between protection or usage?”) on August 17th. Marton did also participate in the Danish equivalent to Arendal Week – Folkemøde on Bornholm – to discuss the prioritization between energy and the climate, or biodiversity on June 18th.

The corresponding event in Sweden – Almedalsveckan in Visby – was attended by Senior Adviser Andrea Stengel. She was panelist at Hållbar energi för alla – hur ska Norden lösa den gröna omställningen? (“Sustainable energy for all – how shall the Nordics solve the green transition?) on July 3rd.