SINTEF Energy Research 2018
SINTEF Energy Research is growing
We are an international research institute that will be playing a key role in meeting the challenges linked to global climate change.
In 2018 many of our research scientists contributed with documentation in support of the Research Council of Norway's report on the positive influence on industrial profitability of investing in energy research ("Effektstudie"). The study revealed both the economic impact of, and potential inherent in, research work and how technology contributes towards the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. A large number of the technologies illustrated in the study have been developed as part of our projects, in close collaboration with NTNU and our industrial partners.
Many of the results have been obtained from projects directly and indirectly incorporated in our Centres for Environmentally-Friendly Energy Research (CEERs). Our newest CEER centre is already two years old and its work is well underway. The work at these centres is at the heart of our mission: We shape tomorrow's energy solutions. I have high hopes and am looking forward to the results emerging from the CEER centres in the future.
Once again, we can boast a record number of summer researchers. In 2018 we welcomed as many as 37 talented young scientists who worked on exciting research projects together with our best scientists, providing value to us and our clients. It is important that we encourage new, young talent. This is why one of the highlights of the year was when Senior Research Scientist Øivind Wilhelmsen was awarded the Research Council of Norway's 2018 prize for young research scientists in the fields of mathematics, natural sciences and technology.
I am looking forward to the imminent opening of our two new laboratories – the HighEffLab and the ElPowerLab. I was very pleased last summer to take part in the opening of the first "package" linked to our ElPowerLab, comprising two new high-speed cameras worth NOK 1.2 million. With single-photon light sensitivity and nanosecond shutter speeds, these cameras can record in 3D the progression of rapid low-light phenomena such as incipient electrical flashovers. We will be using these cameras to look into new materials and fluids for the transport and production of eco-friendly energy.
SINTEF Energy Research is working actively to advise politicians in both Norway and the rest of Europe of the need to invest in technologies that promote positive climate change mitigation and adaptation. We believe that research funding represents a profitable investment in the future, as the RCN's report has demonstrated.
In December we received word from the Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy that we will be the host organisation for the new Norwegian research centre called LowEmission, dedicated to addressing emissions reductions in the petroleum sector. This centre shall contribute towards achieving dramatic emissions reductions from the Norwegian shelf in the years leading up to 2050.
SINTEF Energy Research is growing. Our focus is global and we will be playing a key role in meeting the challenges linked to global climate change. This makes it even clearer to me why it is both right and important that SINTEF Energy Research should have a presence in Brussels. The technologies that will contribute towards climate change mitigation and adaptation are global in nature, and our activities must reflect this.
Inge R. Gran,
President SINTEF Energy Research
Who are we and what do we do?
We shape the future's energy solutions
SINTEF Energy Research is an applied research institute dedicated to providing innovative energy solutions.
We offer cutting-edge research-based knowledge in Norway and globally with the aim of providing our clients with added-value solutions and services. SINTEF Energy Research is part of the SINTEF Group, which is one of Europe's largest independent contract research centres.
Key figures and financial statement 2018
The board's Annual Report 2018
SINTEF Energy Research has a pronounced research profile and is involved in six of the Research Council of Norway's Research Centres for Environmentally-Friendly Energy (CEERs) in partnership with industry and other research institutions. The institute enjoys a strong position within the EU's Framework Research Programme. The high-level technical profile developed by the institute, via activities such as assisting the Norwegian Parliament (Storting) in achieving its cross-party Climate Change Policy Consensus, means that its research community is now at the forefront of European energy research.
Our 10 areas of focus
Summer researchers in 2018
In 2018, for the twelfth year in succession, we welcomed researchers to work at SINTEF during the summer. This was a new record year with as many as 37 young scientists selected from 330 applicants.
SINTEF Energy Research acts as host institute for three Centres for Environmentally-Friendly Energy Research (FME)
FME CINELDI
Research carried out at CINELDI into tomorrow's smart energy systems will, among other things, facilitate the introduction of more energy from renewable sources into the electricity grid, the electrification of transport, and the more efficient use of energy both in private households and by industry.
Read more about the centre and its achievements in 2018: FME CINELDI Annual Report 2018
FME HighEFF
HighEFF aims to develop know-how and technology that will promote more energy-efficient, competitive and environmentally-friendly industrial processes at equipment, factory and regional scales.
Read more about the centre and its achievements in 2018: FME HighEFF Annual Report 2018
FME NCCS
The main objective of the NCCS is to apply industry- and research-driven innovation to bring about the rapid implementation of carbon capture, transport and storage (CCS). The NCCS shall also ensure that Norway remains a global leader in the field of CCS and contributes to achieving the large-scale storage of CO2 in North Sea reservoirs.
Read more about the centre and its achievements in 2018:
NCCS Annual Report 2018
ElPower Lab
In 2018 our new ElPowerLab procured two new cameras worth NOK 1.2 million. With single-photon light sensitivity and nanosecond shutter speeds, these cameras can record in 3D the progression of rapid low-light phenomena such as incipient electrical flashovers. We will be using these cameras to look into new materials and fluids for the transport and production of eco-friendly energy, and to ensure that Norway remains a global leader in this field.
The cameras are funded by the Research Council of Norway's INFRA programme, and are available for use in relevant research projects.
The Research Council's prize for young outstanding researchers
The Research Council of Norway's 2018 prize for young and outstanding researchers was awarded to Øivind Wilhelmsen from SINTEF Energy Research. Øivind Wilhelmsen is a research scientist at SINTEF and adjunct professor at NTNU. He was awarded the prize for young and outstanding researchers in the fields of mathematics, natural sciences and technology in recognition of his exceptional research into thermodynamics and hydrogen technology.
"Wilhelmsen's research has resulted in new and original ideas and has contributed to a fresh and greater understanding of nanoscale bubble and droplet formation. The research work has great application potential in the fields of materials technology and biological systems", wrote the jury in its citation.
