Strengthening our position in wind energy
NorSea and IKM have aquired the company Energy Innovation in Egersund. The aim is to strengthen our position in offshore wind by building competence and market position.
IKM and NorSea will jointly own Energy Innovation and will enhance Energy Innovation’s role as a national competence center for training and certification of wind energy technicians.
CEOs John Stangeland of NorSea and Ståle Kyllingstad of IKM say the acquisition will consolidate and develop the offshore wind ambitions of both groups:
“When offshore wind is fully developed on the Norwegian continental shelf, considerable expertise and capacity are needed to ensure value creation in Norway through all phases, from planning and development to long-term operation of the facilities. The future perspective for wind power in Europe involves tens of thousands of jobs for operators and wind technicians, and a great demand for professionals in mechanical and electrical fields. We wish to contribute to meeting this demand”, say Kyllingstad and Stangeland.
Energy Innovation runs training, certification and education for wind energy operators and technicians.
“We have great faith in the importance of wind power for the energy supply, and in the opportunities offered to the industry and suppliers both in Norway and internationally. Together we now take responsibility for covering the need for qualified personnel. The aquisition also gives Energy Innovation a larger capital base and the opportunity to strengthen its staff, and develop its courses and business further,” says Kyllingstad.
“In August, NorSea signed a ground-breaking contract with four universities in Belgium and Norway for the development and sharing of expertise within Norway’s next industrial adventure; offshore wind. Now we complete the chain by developing competence at all levels, from skilled workers and technicians to doctorates and professors. As two solid actors, NorSea and IKM can contribute to building Energy Innovation”, says Stangeland.
Frank Emil Moen, CEO of Energy Innovation says that he is very satisfied with the change of ownership. He retains a smaller stake in the company: “Wilhelmsen-owned NorSea and IKM Group are very solid, industrial players that place great investment in offshore wind, renewable technology and sustainability. This will strengthen Energy Innovation’s position both nationally and internationally, and will secure further development of the competence environment established through Egersund Energy Hub.”
Moen says the goal for Egersund is to be Norway’s leading center with global ambitions,reinforcing Rogaland as a region that takes the green transition of business and education seriously.
