NTNU Energy Transition Podcast

In this on-site episode from grid operator Tensio’s control centre in Stjørdal, we sit down with CEO Audhild Kvam to unpack one of the green transition’s biggest chokepoints: limited grid capacity. Together we explore: How smarter planning and flexible consumption can unlock idle capacity for batteries, hydrogen and heavy transport What it takes to connect new industry when 100+ projects are alrea...

On 28 April, the entire Iberian Peninsula plunged into darkness in under 30 seconds . How can a modern, interconnected grid fail so spectacularly—and what does it teach the rest of Europe? I sat down with Kjetil Obstfelder Uhlen —Professor at NTNU's Department of Electric Energy and special adviser to Statnett—to reconstruct the split-second cascade that tripped lines from France to Morocco, s...

In Episode 84, clean‑energy luminary Michael Liebreich joins the show to unpack why oil giants like Shell and BP appear to be throttling back on renewables just as the climate crisis intensifies. Drawing on decades in clean-tech finance and heavy-transport electrification, Liebreich argues that the pivot is less a U-turn than a short-term cash grab—and that the physics and economics of “not burnin...

Norway’s electricity system is at a crossroads. With rising consumption, stable production, and an evolving energy mix, the big question is: will we have enough power in the years ahead? In this episode, we sit down with Ane Torvanger Brunvoll , Head of the Energy System Section at NVE (Norges vassdrags- og energidirektorat), to break down the state of Norway’s electricity supply. We’ll explore ho...

In this episode, we examine Equinor’s mergers and acquisitions (M&A) strategy and explore a key question: Can oil and renewables coexist within the company and in Norway’s broader energy landscape? Per Arne Solend , VP of M&A and Insights at Equinor, joins us. He shares his perspective on how the company navigates fossil fuels and renewables acquisitions. We discuss the rationale behind Eq...

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. Recor...

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...

Explore Norway's role in the offshore wind industry, focusing on floating wind technology. Our guest, the cluster manager for Norwegian Offshore Wind and head of the METCentre, Arvid Nesse, shares insights into how Norway became a global leader in floating offshore wind innovation. We dive into the origins of the METCentre, home to the world’s first floating wind turbine, and discuss the developme...

How do we prepare Norway's grid for the future? The strain on the grid is increasing as the energy demand undergoes significant shifts with the rise of renewable sources and power-intensive industries like data centers and hydrogen production. Our guest expert in this episode, Jonas Alexandersson explains the complexities of grid connections, the integration of new technologies, and the economic a...

In this episode, we sit down with Tim Heijn, Managing Director of Northern Lights, to explore the carbon capture and storage (CCS) project transforming CO2 management in Europe. Tim shares insights from his extensive career in energy, from his time at Shell, Maersk Oil, and TotalEnergies, to his current role leading Northern Lights’ efforts to store CO2 safely beneath the North Sea. We discuss the...

Featuring Benedikt Franke, CEO and Vice Chair of the Munich Security Conference, this episode highlights how energy security has evolved from crises like the 1970s oil shocks to today's geopolitical challenges, including Russia's invasion of Ukraine and growing tensions with China. Franke discusses the weaponization of energy, the strategic dominance of China in critical minerals, and the role of...

In this episode we sit down with Henrik Sætness, Executive Vice President of EVP Corporate Staff at Statkraft, to explore the company's strategies in the renewable energy space. Henrik shares insights on global energy trends, the challenges of scaling operations across multiple countries, and how Statkraft is moving forward with wind, solar, and hydropower.

Today we explore the evolving energy partnership between Norway and Germany. Our guest is Christian Maaß, who heads Department II for Heat, Hydrogen and Efficiency in the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection. We’ll be discussing the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy, with a focus on hydrogen, energy efficiency, and cross-border cooperation. With both countries fac...

At Arendalsuka 2024, we sat down with the CEO of Norsk Hydro to explore the world of low-carbon aluminum and the future of sustainable industrial practices. Hydro, a global leader in renewable energy and resource management, is making great strides for a greener future through harnessing hydropower and using innovative recycling processes. From mining in Brazil to smelting in Norway, we discuss th...

In this episode of the NTNU Energy Transition podcast, we sit down with Nils Klippenberg, CEO of Siemens Norway, to discuss the current state and future direction of Norway's energy transition. As Norway aims to meet its ambitious climate goals, we explore the challenges and opportunities within the industry, focusing on the critical role of electrification, offshore wind, and hydrogen. Nils o...

⭐ How does the Hormus straight between Iran and Oman influence oil prices?⭐ How do interest rates influence the deployment of Renewables?⭐ How will small CO2 emitters connect to larger CCS infrastructures? If you are up to get a snap-shot round up of the Energy Transition in Norway then check out this new episode with Jarand Rystad , the CEO and Founder of Rystad Energy . . Enjoy the show 😊😊...

EU Energy Policy - Overview over three key EU Energy Directives (with Massimo Busuoli, Director of the NTNU Brussels Office) In this episode of the NTNU Energy Transition Podcast, we delve into the intricacies of EU energy policy, just in time for the upcoming European elections. Joined by Massimo Busuoli, the head of the NTNU Brussels office, the discussion provides an overview of three major dir...

In this episode, we'll explore the non-technical challenges and solutions for scaling CCS in Norway and beyond with Senior Research Scientist Markus Steen from SINTEF. We'll discuss the importance of CCS in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the role of the state in supporting this technology, and the various economic and organizational hurdles that need to be overcome. Steen, who coordina...

Today we delve into the dynamic world of hydrogen energy. Hosted live at the HySchool Days 2024 , the episode features Rob Stephens from Topsoe , a technology provider specializing in catalysis and process technology. The discussion spans the current status of hydrogen, the various barriers impeding its broader adoption, and potential strategies to overcome these challenges. As an expert in green...

Want to learn more? Check out Julius' upcoming webinar: ⁠Gigaton Gear - Most pressing challenges to global DAC deployment In this episode, we flip the table. Heidi Fossland, the new administrative director for NTNU Energy Transition, interviews our regular host, Julius Wesche about the multifaceted challenges and advancements in direct air capture (DAC) technology. Julius discusses his compreh...

Today we dive deep into the heart of climate and energy investment, focusing on the evolving landscape in Norway and its broader implications globally. Our guests, Linn Hege and Jean-Baptiste, bring a wealth of experience from the investment sector, sharing their perspectives on the importance of sustainability, digitalization, and the crucial role of diversity and inclusion in driving innovation...

In this episode of the NTNU Energy Transition podcast, we dive into the world of Norway's battery industry, focusing on the innovative strides being made by Morrow Batteries. Our guest, the CTO of Morrow Batteries. Dr. Rahul Fotedar shares his journey from petroleum engineering to becoming a pioneer in the battery sector. He details his educational background, starting with petrochemical engin...

Join our Young Energy Professionals Event on Monday (16:00 - 18:00) at Gruva, NTNU-Gløshaugen). Sign up under the following Link: https://www.ntnu.edu/web/energytransition/green-energy-shifters-2024 In this episode, we explore the decarbonization of the shipping sector with David Emberson , an associate professor at NTNU's Department of Marine Technology. David discusses his transition from Ph...

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of floating wind technology with guest Synne Nybø from SINTEF Ocean. She shares her journey from obtaining a master's degree in marine technology from NTNU in 2017 to her transition from consultancy to PhD researcher. Synne discusses the technical and environmental aspects of offshore wind energy, highlighting the advantages of floating wind...

Hello, dear listeners! This is just a short update to let you all know that our podcast will be taking a brief winter hiatus. I am diving into some other research projects and will need a few weeks to focus. But fear not, I'll be back in just a few weeks! In the meantime, consider joining the Green Energy Shifters network meeting on March 11th . This event is part of the NTNU Energy Transition...