Ministers approve Strategy 2015-2018, underpinning Flagships call

Nordic Energy Research publishes its strategy for 2015-2018 after approval by the Ministers of Energy from the five Nordic countries

At their annual meeting on November 12th, 2014 in Keflavik, Iceland, the Nordic Ministers of Energy formally approved the strategy for Nordic research cooperation on energy issues for the coming four years. The strategy underpins all of Nordic Energy Research’s activities, including the coming 80 million NOK Nordic Flagship Projects call, to be launched on December 8th 2014.

Download the strategy here

The new strategy is based on a series of stakeholder workshops conducted in each of the Nordic countries during the spring of 2014. It highlights four central technology challenges that Nordic research cooperation can contribute to addressing. These include: Infrastructure that enables system solutions; Transportation fuels and the utilisation of biomass; Energy efficiency improvements in demand sectors; and Decarbonisation of energy-intensive industry.

In response, the strategy proposes three new initiatives, chief among these being the Nordic Flagship Projects. In addition, network-building projects and expert groups will be established, alongside the various other existing activities underway at Nordic Energy Research. The strategy also points to three core principles that will guide the design of these initiatives: Nordic added value; System perspective; and Politically relevant research results.

Hans Jørgen Koch, Director of Nordic Energy Research had the following to say:

“Nordic Energy Research will celebrate 30 years of regional research cooperation next year. In 30 more years we will have almost reached the year 2050, when the governments of most Nordic countries have pledged to achieve a carbon-neutral energy system. Reaching these ambitions in unthinkable without working together. This strategy will provide a necessary boost to Nordic research cooperation, facilitating national ambitions of sustainability, competitiveness and security of supply.”

Further information

Download the strategy

Read more about the Nordic Flagship Projects call

Press release from the Minster Meeting 

If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact Senior Advisers Benjamin Smith (+47 904 06 203) or Leif Jensen (+47 997 43 709).