The EnergiRike conference was held in Haugesund on August 5. Over the years, the conference has focused on how energy access and use affect value creation, climate, innovation, and business. This year, like Cegal, the conference is celebrating its 25th anniversary - a great way to mark a meeting place that has grown to become one of Norway's most important for the energy industry.
Every year, the conference brings together decision-makers and professionals from energy, industry, technology, finance, academia, and politics to discuss the energy situation in Norway and the outlook, especially in the face of climate challenges and the green shift. This year's conference had around 250 participants and a rich program highlighting both regional and national perspectives, with contributions from the government and the EU ambassador to Norway.
A key topic this year was, of course, artificial intelligence, and how it can be a tool to strengthen competitiveness in the energy sector. Our CTO, John Henrik Andersen, gave an engaging presentation on how AI can rapidly change the industry picture, with historical parallels to how horse transportation was replaced by new technology in a short time.
Equinor's Hege Skryseth also presented concrete examples of how AI is already providing significant benefits in the energy industry.
John Henrik Andersen on stage.
Floating offshore wind, especially Utsira Nord, sparked debate. While some expressed frustration over unpredictability and changing requirements, others, like Deep Wind Offshore, see opportunities and plan to submit applications by the September 15 deadline.
For us at Cegal, it was inspiring to see how broadly the company's expertise in both renewable energy and oil and gas is represented in many of the topics. Several of our customers participated on stage, and we experienced the conference as an important arena for knowledge sharing, relationship building, and strategic dialogue.
The evening was rounded off with a festive dinner, a concert by the Torbjørn Økland Band, and the presentation of the first EnergiRike AWARD - a sustainability award that went to Nofir for its work on recycling equipment from the fisheries and aquaculture industry. After a packed program, it was good to be able to relax our shoulders and get to know the participants better.
Torbjørn Økland band on stage.
EnergiRike was a valuable start to the fall, with new insights, new contacts, and an energy pill for Cegalians participating!