PROGRAM
12. NOVEMBER | Tjodhallen UiS
11:00 Lunch and Registration
12:00 Welcome by Rector Klaus Mohn, UiS
12:05 Keynote by Stephen Bull, CEO, Vårgrønn
12:30 - 14:00
PANEL 1
Theme: Political risk in Norway - a look at the energy sector
Foreign investors are said to fear investing in the Norwegian market due to increased political risk for the first time since the 1990s. Unpredictable tax reform in industries like salmon farming and wind energy, the famous Fosen dispute, failure to properly assess climate impact for new offshore oil and gas fields, and a weak Norwegian currency are some reasons for investor hesitation.
We will discuss the current political risk in the energy sector and how it affects companies and investors in the current investment climate.
SPEAKERS
Tom-Christer Nilsen
Head of Economic Policy
Bergen Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Øyvind Ravna
Professor UiT-Arctic University of Norway
Grete Møgster
CEO
Utsira Offshore Wind Center
Hannah Cecilie Brænden
Advisor
NIM
MODERATOR, Kristoffer Svendsen, Associate Professor, UiS
Assistant Dean, GW Law
14:30 - 16:00
PANEL 2
Theme: Profitable investments in offshore wind
A total of 75 GW of global offshore wind capacity was in operation by the end of 2023. GWEC eyes a potential total offshore wind capacity at 487GW by the end of 2033. Offshore wind is indisputable a necessary part of the energy mix to achieve our global Paris agreement climate goals. That said, offshore wind has been criticized for costing too much compared to onshore wind and solar as well as not being profitable as a non-subsidized electricity-producing energy source. But, is that correct? We examine the profitability of offshore wind.
SPEAKERS
MODERATOR, Adnan Vejzović, BAHR
13. NOVEMBER | Tjodhallen UiS
Panel 3 - 9:00 - 10:30: ESG: requirements, AI, and energy
Speakers
Josh Seidel (Lead Specialist Solutions Architect at Databricks, and Managing Director of Finance & Information Technology Solutions, Metrics3, LLC)
Marthe Ydalus (Senior Manager, Strategy & Sustainability, Aker Solutions)
Siri Kalvig (CEO, Nysnø) TBC
Elise Johansen (Partner, Wikborg Rein)
Moderator: Erlend Brun Bakken (Partner, Schjødt)
09:00 - 10:30
PANEL 3
Theme: ESG: requirements, AI, and energy
ESG represents a framework increasingly used to evaluate a company's operations and investments concerning sustainability and ethical impact, particularly in the contexts of energy development and its financing.
In the energy sector, companies are assessed on their environmental impact, including energy consumption and carbon emissions, with a growing emphasis on transitioning to renewable sources and adopting sustainable practices.
In financing, ESG criteria guide responsible investment decisions, with investors prioritizing companies that demonstrate strong environmental stewardship and risk management, leading to the rise of green bonds and sustainable finance initiatives. Meanwhile, AI enhances ESG efforts by facilitating data analysis and reporting, optimizing energy usage to reduce waste, and assessing social impacts through metrics related to labor practices and community engagement.
As stakeholders demand greater accountability and transparency, integrating ESG principles into business strategies is essential for long-term success, positioning companies to contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future.
We are looking closer at ESG in the energy sector, the role of financing, and how AI plays a role.
SPEAKERS
Josh Seidel
Lead Specialist Solutions Architect at Databricks, and Managing Director of Finance & Information Technology Solutions, Metrics3, LLC
Marthe Ydalus
Senior Manager,
Strategy & Sustainability
Aker Solutions
Simen Malmin
Senior prosjekt ansvarlig
Nysnø
Erlend Brun Bakken
Partner
Schjødt
MODERATOR, Kristoffer Svendsen, Associate Professor, UiS
Assistant Dean, GW Law
10:45 - 12:15
PANEL 4
Theme: The U.S. Solar and Battery Energy Storage Market: Development and Investment Trends
Bring together industry experts to explore the diverse investment landscapes across North America, Latin America, Scandinavia, and Asia. Each region presents unique opportunities and challenges; for instance, North America boasts advanced technology and infrastructure, while Latin America offers vast solar potential combined with emerging markets for battery storage solutions.
Scandinavia, known for its commitment to sustainability, suffers with less sun exposure compared to other market, while Asia represents a rapidly growing market with significant investments in solar capacity and battery technologies.
The panel also highlighted a specific transmission investment case illustrating how strategic investments in transmission infrastructure can drive the transition to a clean energy future across diverse regions.
Through collaborative discussions, the panelists underscored the importance of understanding regional dynamics and aligning investment strategies to maximize impact and profitability in the evolving energy landscape.
SPEAKERS
MODERATOR, Urosh Tomovich, Management consultant North American markets
12:15 Closing remarks Ola Kvaløy, Dean, UiS School of Business and Law
Møt Teamet
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