RES recruits a director from Innovation Norway

– I can’t think of a more exciting job than to lead RES’ Norwegian investment. Norway is an important energy nation, but we are very dependent on oil. At the same time, we see that Norway is moving towards an energy deficit and high power prices. Therefore, we must build out significant amounts of new renewable power in the coming years, says Eli Wærum Rognerud.

Rognerud comes from Innovation Norway, where she has led the company’s strategic investments in, among other things, offshore wind, hydrogen and green maritime exports. She also has a background as export manager for Innovation Norway France, from the Ministry of Energy, and broad international experience.

– Norway has long been a world leader in hydropower, and was an early adopter of floating wind, among other things. We see great potential in Norway for both offshore wind, solar and wind power on land, hydrogen and batteries. At the same time, development has been slower than in many other European countries. We would like to contribute to increasing the pace of development, says Rognerud.

Local actor with activity in 24 countries

RES is an international leading energy company and has activities in 24 countries. The company has developed over 24 gigawatts of renewable power, including in offshore wind, wind and solar.

In Sweden, the company has had significant activity for a long time and has focused particularly on the development of renewable power in combination with new industry.

– We are very pleased that Eli Wærum Rognerud has accepted the position of director of RES Norway. With Eli in place, we aim to build up a strong position in the Norwegian power market, says development director Magnus Igel at RES.

– There is no reason why RES should not become as large in Norway as we have become in Sweden. I know you Norwegians like to beat the Swedes, says Igel.

Igel emphasizes the company’s work with local roots as an important competitive advantage.

– If we are to get more renewable power, we are completely dependent on better cooperation with local communities and other interest groups than what the industry has managed so far. Power at cost price for our host municipalities, and a separate “power bank” where you can apply for support for local initiatives are some of the measures we use in RES, says Igel.

Sea wind

RES is one of the owners behind the Siravind consortium, which is applying to develop floating offshore wind off Utsira Nord. Offshore wind will be among RES Norway’s investment areas.

This spring, the company will employ several developers who will work on new power projects in Norway.