Energy, climate and the environment

The aim of our research is to shed light on and understand societal challenges within energy, climate and the environment – and develop knowledge that can help solve these.

One of USN's strategic research areas

The green transition is all about how Norway shall become a low-emission country by 2050. Greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced, biodiversity must be preserved and strengthened, and environmental problems related to soil, water and air must be solved.

In order to achieve a successful transition that is within nature's critical levels, society is in need of new perspectives, new insights and knowledge. Our research targets such contributions. The target group comprises all decision-makers who make conscious choices in everyday life, whether they are politicians, business leaders, public agencies or the general public.

We aim to highlight, understand and help solve societal challenges within sustainable energy systems, circular economy, sustainable consumption and production, climate and environmental effects on ecosystems, and sustainability in teaching and learning.

– We want to create new and innovative solutions for the energy transition, climate change and environmental challenges. This is our common mission for a sustainable future

Thomas Øyvang, academic leader

Leaders

Thomas Øyvang

Thomas is an Associate Professor in electric power engineering and the leader of the strategic research area for energy, climate and the environment. Among other things, he is conducting research into hydropower with smart generators that may be instrumental in achieving a modern and digital power system.

Associate Professor

thomas.oyvang@usn.no

Marit Gundersen Engeset

Marit is a Professor of marketing and deputy leader of the strategic research area for energy, climate and the environment. Among other things, her research focuses on customer experiences and how to encourage consumers to choose sustainable solutions.

Professor

marit.engeset@usn.no

Examples of projects

The academic and thematic content of the research area will be under development moving forward. Below is a presentation of several projects that are relevant to the strategic research area.

What if we suddenly lost all power supply? How vulnerable are we? The SysOpt project involves more efficient system services between power producers and grid owners.

Ny avfallscontainer som reduserer miljøpåvirkningen med Cycled-navnet påskrevet

With the Capture project, USN is cooperating with partners Cycled Technologies and AI superior to promote new technology for smart waste management and recycling solutions. The project will contribute to reduced environmental impact from plastic and other waste.

Illustrasjon grønn tegning som viser gjenbruk av CO2

The Alkopop project relates to the reuse of CO2. The project aims to support circular economic initiatives in Norway.

Stories

Bringing together academic and industry minds

USN extends an open invitation to join a collective discussion on four current topics: the Fen complex, sustainable data centres, nuclear power and circular economy.

Supporting the safe integration of drones into airspace

The University of South-Eastern Norway will coordinate a new EU project with the aim of paving the way for safe drone operations in urban and restricted areas. AI-Based models will be used to explore and develop a safe airspace.

illustrasjonsbilde av fabrikker med piper som slipper ut mye røyk og med åkerlandskap i front

Participation in EU research on emission-free industry

Replace fossil fuels with electric heating in the industry. This is the core of a new EU-funded research project in which USN is the sole Norwegian university participant.