When and where?

Tuesday 3 November 2026
11:30–19:00
The Norwegian National Opera & Ballet

Hosts: Martha Hagerup Nilsson and Sander Holte Nilsen, Statnett.

Program

10:30 – Registration opens

11:30–12:30 – Lunch and networking in the foyer

12:30 – Opening address
Elisabeth Vike Vardheim, President and CEO of Statnett

12:50 – Energy policy and security policy: two sides of the same coin in a world affected by war, hybrid threats and uncertain alliances
Cecilie Hellestveit, Associate Professor and researcher in international law at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)

13:05 – Global Energy Trends
Laura Cozzi, Director of Sustainability, Technology and Outlooks, International Energy Agency (IEA)

13:20 – Preparing the power system for the future: insights from Statnett’s analyses
How to get the most out of the grid and power system we already have – Anders Grønstvedt
Statnett’s Long-Term Market Analysis 2026–2060 – Anders Kringstad
How do we develop the power system to meet growing electricity consumption? – Erika Stadler

13:45 – Break

14:05 – The Government’s power package: how we will succeed
Terje Aasland, Minister of Energy (Labour Party)

14:15 – Europe is expanding renewable power at a rapid pace. How can Norway avoid being left behind?
Birgitte Ringstad Vartdal, President and CEO of Statkraft

14:25 – Panel discussion: “In the waiting room. The queue of customers seeking grid capacity is growing. What does this mean for future value creation and business development?”
Moderator: Kjetil Malkenes Hovland, journalist, E24

Participants:
Stian Jenssen, Managing Director, Nscale Scandinavia
Gunnar Løvås, Executive Vice President, Power System and Customers, Statnett
Monica Mæland, CEO, Bergen Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Vibeke Stjern, Fosen Regional Council
Elnar Remi Holmen, Head of New Renewables, Salten Kraftsamband (SKS)

14:50 – Break

15:15 – How can we reduce conflict in the energy debate going forward?
Bård Vegar Solhjell, CEO, Renewables Norway

15:25 – Trust and acceptance: what can the energy sector learn from opposition to wind power?
Mikaela Vasstrøm, Professor at the Department of Global Development and Planning, University of Agder (UiA)

15:40 – More of everything, faster: what will this mean for public acceptance?
Moderator: Kristian Pladsen, Head of Public Affairs, Statnett

Participants:
Rosalie Poen, President and CEO, Lyse
Inger Lise Blyverket, Secretary General, Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT)
Pernille Hansen, Head of Friends of the Earth Norway
Bård Vegar Solhjell, CEO, Renewables Norway

16:10 – The Government’s power package. Look to Innlandet! Can a new pilot project accelerate grid development and value creation?
Moderator: Siri Gjørtz, Head of Media Relations, Statnett

Participants:
Thomas Breen, County Mayor of Innlandet
Anne Nysæther, CEO, Elvia
Christian Færø, Executive Vice President, Project Development and Construction, Statnett
Inga Nordberg, Director of Energy and Licensing, Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE)

16:30 – Presentation of Statnett’s External HSE Award
Elisabeth Vike Vardheim, President and CEO of Statnett

16:40 – Closing remarks and summary
Elisabeth Vike Vardheim, President and CEO of Statnett

16:45 – After-work gathering with food and refreshments