TTrondheim is becoming a central hub for Europe’s efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s energy sector.

The energy cluster RENERGY has been appointed by the EU to lead the project “SUNRISE” – an initiative to secure stable electricity supply in war-torn Ukraine.

An important recognition for Norwegian energy technology

RENERGY succeeded in competition with 26 other actors to lead the EU–Ukraine Cluster Partnership Programme. The project aims to help Ukrainian power companies maintain energy supply despite repeated attacks on infrastructure.

– This is an important confirmation of the level of Norwegian energy technology, and of Trondheim as a technology capital. We will contribute with both urgent solutions and lay the foundation for a robust energy system for the future, says Thomas Bjørdal, Head of RENERGY.

International cooperation for robust energy supply

The project brings together partners from Sweden, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia and Ukraine. Norwegian stakeholders such as the Norwegian–Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce (NUCC), Innovation Norway, Fornybar Norge and REN will also contribute.

One of the most relevant measures is the delivery of battery systems that can secure local power supply in crisis-hit areas. Ukraine’s energy system has been severely affected by the war, and improvised solutions have been necessary to keep the grid running.

– We will quickly identify and develop technological solutions that reduce vulnerability and secure electricity supply even under attack. We hope to have the first solutions in place already this winter, says Bjørdal.

Energy security as a key to business development

Ken Flydalen and Syver Rønningen have just returned from Porto, where RENERGY held the kickoff for the EU-UA SUNRISE project, which aims to ensure a more stable and robust electricity supply in Ukraine.

– Electricity supply is the very foundation for both reconstruction and business development. When working with Ukrainian actors, we see that solutions must be both immediate and long-term – battery storage, hybrid grids and flexible energy systems can make a real difference, says Flydalen.

Knowledge transferable to Norway

The experiences from working in Ukraine will also be valuable for Norway. Robust energy supply is becoming increasingly important, and the solutions developed through SUNRISE can help strengthen Norwegian preparedness and energy security.

– We gain unique insights into how we can strengthen Norwegian solutions for the future. At the same time, the project gives perspective on what a real energy crisis means. In Ukraine, cities the size of Trondheim are without power for days. This puts the Norwegian debate on electricity prices into a new light, concludes Bjørdal.

The project is already underway, and RENERGY looks forward to working closely with partners in Europe and Ukraine to deliver innovative solutions that can make a difference in a very demanding situation.

Kontakt Thomas Bjørdal, klyngeleder RENERGY
Telefon +47 958 93 289
thomas@renergycluster.no