Companies from Agder made their presence felt at ONS, the global energy exhibition and conference in Stavanger, which drew tens of thousands of visitors this week.

“It has been a tremendously important week for the Norwegian and global energy business. Coming together in Stavanger, we have highlighted current and looming challenges and been reminded of the importance of both energy security and the addition of renewable energy sources,” says Knut Mjåland, CEO of GCE NODE.

PHOTO ALBUM: AGDER AT ONS 2026

He hosted the joint Agder Pavilion at ONS – a buzzing stand area where 11 cluster companies showcased their technology and competence for a predominantly Norwegian but still international audience.

Serial entrepreneur Bjarne Skeie and daughter Lena Skeie met with Knut Mjåland, CEO of GCE NODE.

“Together with the larger GCE NODE companies, which had their own stands at ONS 2026, we have made our mark. The supplier industry in Agder remains a cutting-edge engineering stronghold for the oil and gas industry and also has the ability to transfer competence and technology to other sectors, such as offshore wind and defense,” says Mjåland.

The Agder Pavilion served as a hub for the region’s industry, offering afternoon networking opportunities daily. GCE NODE also hosted a packed Agder Reception, sponsored by DNB, at the premises of Stavanger Chamber of Commerce.

The Agder Pavilion at ONS 2026.
The Agder Pavilion at ONS 2026.

“While we work hard on the green transition, we must also move forward with oil and gas,” says Arne Thomassen, Mayor of Agder County.

He travelled to Stavanger this week to meet the Agder companies that were present at ONS – the global energy exhibition and conference.

“Participating at ONS is one of the most important tasks in my job. The companies I met at ONS represent major value creation with thousands of employees in Agder,“ says Thomassen.

He was given direct briefings from industry, academia and research environments.

“They were all clear on what is politically important to work on, and what their industries need. Recurring demands revolved around wealth tax, electricity prices, predictability, and policy tools that actually work,” says Thomassen.

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Agder County representative Torunn Høyum-Eriksen also made the trip to Stavanger.

“The most valuable part of visiting ONS was listening to the companies themselves,” she says. “The conversations confirm how important it is that politicians listen to industry and understand the challenges and opportunities they face.”

She left Stavanger with a clear takeaway: predictability and strong framework conditions remain essential. But she also saw a business community ready to push forward. “Agder is well positioned both in today’s energy markets and in developing future green solutions,” says Høyum-Eriksen.

Mayor of Farsund, Ingrid Williamsen, was on her second visit to ONS.

“I was pleased to be part of the event and thrilled to meet so many competent people from our region. It was a very valuable day in Stavanger in support of our industries,” says Williamsen.

Four new companies have been accepted as cluster participants by the GCE NODE Board of Directors.

Global Onsite
Provides services in remote or restricted access locations undertaking around the clock jobs and reducing downtime with fully operational onsite workshops. Headquartered in Lillesand. CEO: Jan Erik Pedersen

Quality Trade Service
Norway-based. Global delivery. On-site and advisory. Support for operators, EPCs, and specialist suppliers in offshore and onshore environments. Headquartered in Kristiansand. CEO: Tor Inge Danielsen

Level Consulting
Management for hire. CEO and CFO positions. Also board members and consultancy in time-limited projects. Most relevant industries are energy, infrastructure and defense. Headquarted in Kristiansand. CEO: Thomas Gabestad

CeylonAI
Develops practical AI tools and courses for small and medium-sized industrial companies. Headquarted in Kristiansand. CEO: Anders Nilssen