Energy security concerns society having continuous access to energy, also when the energy system is exposed to undesired events. This applies both to daily operations and to major events such as natural disasters, extreme weather or targeted attacks.
Energy security encompasses secure access to energy resources, sufficient capacity in the infrastructure for production and transmission of energy to end users, and the ability to maintain and restore the energy supply when something fails.
Energy is a prerequisite for communication, water supply, transport, health services and industrial value creation. At the same time, the energy system is becoming more digitalized and complex, the electrification of society is increasing, and the interplay between different energy carriers is becoming ever more important. Together with geopolitical unrest and climate change, this creates new threats and vulnerabilities, and an increased need for knowledge about how to build a resilient energy system.
SINTEF has solid and documented expertise within the following sub-areas:
- Security of supply and delivery reliability in the power system, including KILE (costs of energy not supplied)
- Energy system analysis, the power market and balancing power
- Power grids and transmission: power lines, cable technology, HVDC transmission and transformers
- Flexible distribution grids, microgrids, distributed power generation and prosumers
- Power quality and measurement and analysis of voltage and current
- Sensors for monitoring electrical power components and reliable power electronics
- Digitalization of hydropower
- Energy storage, including thermal energy storage
- Tunnels and underground facilities for robust infrastructure
- Wood stove technology and local heat supply
The expertise covers the entire spectrum from basic research to applied development and implementation at grid companies, power producers, industry and authorities.
Typical assignments and deliverables within this area include:
- Risk and vulnerability analyses of the energy system, including cascading effects and dependencies between sectors
- Analyses of security of supply, delivery reliability and the socioeconomic costs of power outages
- Advice and decision support for energy planning, preparedness and investments in grids and production
- Development and testing of solutions such as island operation, local production, energy storage and flexible consumption
- Testing, verification and failure analysis of power components
- Knowledge base on access to critical components and repair preparedness
- Contributions to national and international research and innovation projects
The services are tailored to the customer's needs and the project's maturity level.
We use recognized, research-based methods, including:
- Modeling and simulation of power and energy systems – from individual components to entire value chains
- Risk and vulnerability analyses and scenario analyses of extreme events
- Laboratory testing, field measurements and condition monitoring
- Analysis of operational, fault and outage data
- Interdisciplinary work processes and co-creation with authorities and industry
The methods are supported by national research infrastructures, digital tools and extensive practical experience from the power sector.
SINTEF combines independent research, interdisciplinary expertise and close collaboration with industry and public administration. Our competitive advantages include:
- A broad professional community covering the entire energy system – from production and grid to end use and sector coupling
- Specialized laboratories such as SINTEF Energy Lab, ElpowerLab and the National Smart Grid Laboratory
- Extensive experience with complex problems and high technological risk
- An independent role that provides credibility and a basis for decision-making
We are not necessarily the cheapest – but we deliver solutions with high quality, lasting value and great societal benefit.
We deliver expertise and services to:
- Grid companies, power producers and suppliers of electrical power equipment
- Norwegian and international industry
- Public administration, authorities and emergency preparedness actors
- Research councils, the EU and other national and international funding bodies