Energy efficiency: How to unlock 20 TWh of conflict-free energy

A group of people attending a conference in an auditorium.

Solutions exist already today to make Norwegian industry more efficient and unlock large amounts of energy in a way that is largely uncontroversial. Why, then, are energy efficiency measures not being deployed at a quicker pace?

FME HighEFF held its Annual Consortium Meeting 2023 over the past two days. The first day was a conference open to the public, with discussions around the theme: “Energy efficiency: How the industry can unlock 20 TWh of conflict-free energy”.

The Conference began with speeches by myself, Petter Røkke, HighEFF Centre director; Toril Svaan, representing the Petroleum and Energy Ministry; and Alexandra Bech Gjørv, CEO of SINTEF.

Toril Svaan (Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy) — Toril Svaan presents the perspective of the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy.

The floor was then given to two members of the Norwegian Energy Commission, who presented a summary of the Commission’s conclusions. Arve Ulriksen (Mo Industripark) and Liv Monica Stubholt (Selmer) held a lively presentation during which they underlined, among other things, the importance of leveraging excess heat as a resource.

Arve Ulriksen (Mo Industripark) and Liv Monica Stubholt (Selmer) summarise the conclusions of the Norwegian Energy Commission’s final report.

Political debate

A group of politicians then took the stage to discuss how energy efficiency measures can be implemented more swiftly. Participants were Lars Haltbrekken (SV), Mari Holm Lønseth (H), Terje Settenøy (FrP) and Per Olav Hopsø (Ap). The debate was led by Mari Greta Bårdsen (SINTEF Energy Research).

Participants largely agreed on the fact that the regulatory framework needs to be adjusted to allow for more rapid progress in the field of energy efficiency. They also agreed that measures should be put in place to simplify collaboration between industries – especially industries that have no history of collaboration with each other. If they mostly agreed on the broad strokes, there were differences of opinion regarding exactly how the authorities should encourage a faster transition towards better energy efficiency.

Mari Greta Bårdsen (SINTEF Energy Research), Lars Haltbrekken (SV), Mari Holm Lønseth (H), Terje Settenøy (FrP) and Per Olav Hopsø (Ap). — Mari Greta Bårdsen (SINTEF Energy Research) leads a political debate with participants Lars Haltbrekken (SV), Mari Holm Lønseth (H), Terje Settenøy (FrP) and Per Olav Hopsø (Ap).

Industry and science sessions

The rest of day 1 consisted of several sessions, each with a scientific presentation and multiple contributions from industry. For example, SINTEF senior researcher Hanne Kauko spoke about the industry as a flexibility provider; that is, how industry can help reduce the pressure on the power grid through energy sharing and energy storage. This was followed by a discussion with representatives from Rema 1000 and Tine, focusing on the progress they achieved in energy efficiency through their participation in the Centre.

One of the sessions focused on new industries, with representatives from Elinor Batteries, ICT-Norway, Gen2 Energy, and Renewables Norway. New industries will require more power, which makes energy efficiency even more relevant. In addition, these industries have potential when it comes to sharing surplus heat, if the right decisions are taken early on to make such a collaboration possible.

Annika Bremvåg (NTNU), Bjørn Rønning (ICT Norway – data centres), Arne Fredrik Lånke (Elinor – batteries), Odd Arne Lorentsen (Gen2 Energy – hydrogen), Toini Løvseth (Renewables Norway – renewable energy production), Samuel Senanu (SINTEF). — Annika Bremvåg (NTNU) leads a discussion with representatives from new industries: Bjørn Rønning (ICT Norway – data centres), Arne Fredrik Lånke (Elinor – batteries), Odd Arne Lorentsen (Gen2 Energy – hydrogen), Toini Løvseth (Renewables Norway – renewable energy production), Samuel Senanu (SINTEF).

People mingling outside an auditorium. — Also very valuable to both industry and scientists are the possibilities such a gathering provides for informal exchanges between people working in different fields. The best ideas sometimes arise during such conversations.

Educational programme

Vegar Andersen, who did his HighEFF PhD in close collaboration with Elkem, is now Research lead for process development at Elkem’s department for silicon products, showing the value for industry of educating PhDs in relevant fields.

Day 2 started with Professor Truls Gundersen (NTNU), HighEFF’s Scientific Leader, presenting a status update on the Centre’s educational programme. A total of 14 PhDs and 5 postdocs have already completed their work (out of a total of 19 PhDs and 6 postdocs). Four more PhDs will finish in 2023, and one in 2024. The success rate so far has been above 96%, which is considered very good. In addition, the Centre has collaborated with 10 associated PhDs (not funded by HighEFF). Seven of these have completed their defence.

Updates on research

Day 2 was dedicated to updates about the scientific portion of the Centre’s work.

David Pérez Piñeiro, one of HighEFF's PhD students — David Pérez Piñeiro, one of HighEFF’s PhD students, speaks about his work in energy management with peak demand tariffs via convex optimisation.

Adriana Reyes Lúa (SINTEF) speaks of low-carbon options for power generation for offshore applications.

Frida Sæther (SINTEF) presents a top-down perspective on energy efficiency potential in the food and chemical sector.

More research is needed

Solutions are ready to be implemented, but HighEFF research over the past years has revealed that there still is a lot of low-hanging fruit to be picked on the innovation front. Moreover, centres like HighEFF make it possible for companies too small to have their own research and development department to benefit from the power of innovations in energy efficiency.

HighEFF Centre director Petter Røkke — HighEFF Centre director, Petter Røkke, welcomes enquiries from prospective industrial partners for a new FME about industrial energy efficiency.

FME HighEFF will draw to a close next year, but we are already at work gathering a consortium for another centre to continue the work. Are you involved in industry and motivated to implement novel ideas to improved efficiency? Do not hesitate to contact me!

1 comment on “Energy efficiency: How to unlock 20 TWh of conflict-free energy”

Chateaue

June 27, 2023

I often enjoy reading helpful writings; thank you for providing this one.

Reply