{NODEs egen konferanse}

“We are inviting GCE NODE companies and others to join us on a trip to Sustainable Energy, the catapult center at Stord. This is a unique opportunity to get an update on the many exiting ongoing projects at their test center, and to learn from a very knowledgeable organization and their partners,” says Christian von der Ohe, RD&I Manager at GCE NODE.

The Sustainable Energy Catapult Center helps companies develop and test sustainable solutions for energy generation, storage, distribution and management.

On 12 and 13 February, GCE NODE participants and partners are especially welcomed to visit the center. A tailored program includes hydrogen and ammonia fuel systems, which are relevant for several GCE NODE companies.

Following a site-visit at the Aker Solutions yard, dinner, and a social mixer to close the first day, the second and final day of the trip includes an offshore wind session.

Sustainable Energy has the only floating wind turbine in the world open for testing. Zephyros is located ten kilometers offshore to ensure testing in real-life conditions.

“Together with our partners, we have tested a broad range of technologies – from charging offshore vessels directly from the turbine – to wave sensors and bird monitoring. We also assist in applying for funding for innovation projects, both from EU and national funding schemes,” says Tore Kallevåg, CCO at Sustainable Energy.

A break-out session for companies more interested in waste-to-energy and biogas solutions will be scheduled.

“The program is designed to meet interests and demands for a larger group of GCE NODE participants. We are looking forward to an insightful trip to the Norwegian west coast with opportunities to meet and connect with potential partners for your development projects,” says von der Ohe.

The fastest and most practical travel arrangement from Agder to Stord is by bus. This allows for ample time for talks and new acquaintances.

See a full program and sign up by 22 January

“When equipment costs millions per day to use, you always look for ways to increase efficiency, to make informed decisions, and to avoid human error. AI will contribute to this,” says Søren Øydna, SVP Digital Solutions at HMH in Kristiansand.

Starting with prototypes in 2017, HMH has built knowledge and experience with AI for almost a decade. Nowadays, AI is always part of the conversations with clients.

“AI is maturing into a useful tool that will play a major part in various industries, including our industry. Everyone wants to know more about AI and how it can help improve operations,” says Øydna.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS FOR AI
While most of us have experienced how AI can produce texts, images, songs and more, the industrial use of AI is expected to have a much greater impact on societal development.

“Based on the fast development within AI, we believe there is a huge potential and lots of applications that we still have not come to think of,” says Øydna.

As of now – in general – AI provides advice while humans make the final decisions.

“Based on great improvements in text generation and computing power, AI is already used to support decision-making by comprising and aggregating data from existing documents, e-mails and other written sources. Although the output must be interpreted and confirmed by humans, it remains a powerful tool if made well,” says Frode Jensen, Product Owner Digitalization at HMH.

ACCESS TO DATA IS PIVOTAL
Structured data is vital for succeeding with artificial intelligence, but data can be hard to come by.

“The two key questions when contemplating a project are always: Will it add value to our customers, and do we have the necessary data?”, says Jensen.

“Compared to other industries, we have very few units. While Tesla can collect data from millions of cars, we have data from only a few hundred drilling systems. It is also challenging to get access to all data from a system, as it involves products from several suppliers. If we could have access to third party data that would help immensely,” says Jensen.

HMH has recruited AI experts and educated its own staff within the field.

“We also have a strong connection to Cognite and Microsoft for more specific AI expertise,” says Øydna.

“The message from our cluster companies is loud and clear. For the remainder of the decade, they expect growth in
the oil & gas segment, as well as in the renewable energy segment,” says Pål Skogerbø, Chair of the GCE NODE Board of Directors.

A cluster strategy for 2025 to 2030 was recently approved and adopted by the GCE NODE Board of Directors. The strategy is based on feedback from a large number of companies.

One third of the companies in the GCE NODE cluster define themselves as being in the oil & gas industry, one third in the renewable energy industry, and one third reports no predominant source of revenues.

Skogerbø says GCE NODE has done a tremendous job in moving the supplier industry towards and into renewables.

“For the long-term this process will continue. We will most definitely undergo an energy transition. Still, for the next few years it looks more like an energy addition. Renewable energy will not replace oil & gas, but rather expand the energy offering, due to increased demand,” says Skogerbø.

GCE NODE has produced a one-page document which efficiently summarizes and visualizes the new strategy and the role of the cluster during the next five years.

GCE NODE’s mission will be to build competence, accelerate the transition, and ensure favorable framework conditions for its participants.

“The cluster administration will assist companies in both segments – and those who are transferring competence and technology from oil & gas to renewables. These are challenging times indeed. Still, there are great business opportunities to be found,” says Skogerbø.