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 transportWhat it takes to connect new industry when 100+ projects are already in the queueThe policy tweaks and market signals that could turn today’s “capacity crunch” into tomorrow’s competitive edge for NorwayWhether you’re an energy nerd, a policymaker, or just curious why electrification keeps hitting the same bottleneck, this conversation lights the way forward.

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, sent frequency crashing below 50 Hz, and left millions without power.Together we talk about:Why a single imbalance spiralled into a continent-wide blackoutThe hard limits of interconnection, inertia and protection schemesWhether renewables were really to blame—or just convenient scapegoatsHow Norway’s hydro-heavy grid would cope with a similar shockConcrete fixes: synthetic inertia, smarter system-protection, and cross-border coordination

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 burning stuff” will ultimately win.Expect candid takes on capital markets, policy headwinds, and where the smartest money is flowing now, all delivered with Liebreich’s trademark data-driven bluntness.

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 how the system has evolved, the trends shaping its future, and whether concerns about an energy deficit are justified.What role will wind and solar play? How will industries like data centers and e-fuel production impact demand? And what actions can we take to ensure a stable and resilient grid?Join us for a deep dive into the future of Norway’s electricity system.

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 Equinor’s recent investments, the role of M&A in the energy transition, and how the company balances its legacy oil and gas operations with its push into offshore wind, batteries, and emerging low-carbon technologies. Co-hosting this episode is Martina Fantini, a PhD researcher at NTNU specializing in sustainable aviation. Tune in to learn how Equinor makes strategic decisions in a rapidly evolving energy landscape—and what the future might hold for oil, gas, and renewables in a transitioning world.

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. Recorded in Norwegian Air Shuttle's hangar at Oslo Gardermoen Airport, the conversation covers Boeing's partnership with Norsk e-Fuel, the challenges and opportunities for scaling SAF, and how policy and innovation can drive aviation decarbonization. The discussion delves into competing technologies like hydrogen and electric propulsion, industry goals for 2030 and 2050, and the critical need for collaboration across sectors. Tune in to learn about the future of clean aviation and Norway’s position in this transition.

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 of nuclear waste management and public acceptance, this episode explores how nuclear can potentially help us achieve our 2050 decarbonization goals. The conversation also highlights cutting-edge research on nuclear’s role in energy systems and debates the economic viability of nuclear technologies versus renewables like wind and solar. Tune in for a nuanced discussion on one of the more polarizing topics in energy today.

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 development of the Norwegian Offshore Wind Cluster, now boasting nearly 400 members. Topics include the challenges of scaling floating wind technology, the integration of expertise from Norway's oil and gas sector, and the vision for exporting Norwegian innovations to international markets.

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 and technical analysis required to meet both consumer and producer needs.

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 project’s role in Norway’s Longship initiative, how CCS works, and its potential to help industries reduce their carbon footprint.