AEE’s Nordic Trade Mission: Bridging Global Energy Expertise and Sustainability Practices

The Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) is well-known for its commitment to advancing the field of energy engineering, disseminating valuable information, and creating a cohesive community of energy professionals worldwide. In line with this vision, AEE recently concluded a highly successful trade mission to the Nordic countries, encompassing Iceland, Norway, and Finland. The mission focused on exploring sustainable energy systems and fostering relationships between energy professionals around the globe.

Icelandic Innovations in Renewable Energy

The mission commenced in Reykjavík, Iceland, where AEE’s 15-member delegation from the United States, Canada, South Africa, and Kuwait met with local authorities, industry leaders, and academic experts. Hosted by Green by Iceland, they explored Iceland’s innovative use of geothermal and hydroelectric energy, which provides over 90% of the country’s electricity. The group also had the chance to immerse themselves in the Future Energy Exhibition, showcasing Iceland’s commitment to renewable energy technologies.

Executive Director of Institute of Energy Professionals Africa, Yolanda de Lange, eloquently summarized the Icelandic leg of the journey as a “powerful sense of contrasts—cold climates with boiling geysers and beautifully imaged sustainability goals.”

Exploring the Energy Mix of Norway

After departing from Iceland, the delegation arrived in Oslo, Norway. The visit included a tour of the city’s architectural wonders and a meeting with Nordic Energy Research (NER). Kevin Johnsen, COO of NER, presented on the state of energy in the Nordic region, highlighting exciting projects like Sweden’s HYBRIT® for fossil-free steel production and Norway’s Hywind Tampen, a floating offshore wind farm.

“Engaging with the global energy sector assumes paramount significance in the pursuit of carbon neutrality,” noted Kent L. Hornsby, P.E., C.E.M, LEED AP (BD+C), a power system engineer with experience in 50 countries who was part of the delegation.

Finland: Combining Culture and Sustainable Energy

The mission’s final stop was in Finland, a country aiming for carbon neutrality by 2035. The delegation toured Helsinki and learned about various Finnish initiatives, such as the Voluntary Energy Efficiency Agreement Scheme. The meeting was hosted by Confederation of Finnish Industries (EK), in cooperation with Technology Industries of Finland who provided an overview of Finnish energy system and approach to energy transition. The visit served as a powerful reminder that the journey to sustainable energy involves not just technology but also cultural and historical awareness.

A Unified Focus on Global Energy Challenges

Bill Kent, AEE Executive Director, summed up the mission: “Although we may have many differences in location, culture, etc., we are all facing the same global energy challenges. The Nordic region is leading in clean and renewable energy, and AEE’s values include People First and Global Family. Working together, we can achieve our climate goals and ensure sustainability for future generations.”

The AEE Trade Mission to the Nordic countries highlighted the organization’s unwavering commitment to global energy sustainability. It offered an invaluable opportunity for cross-border learning and collaboration, proving that when it comes to the global challenges of energy and sustainability, we are indeed a global family.

To learn more about the intricacies, opportunities, and learnings from the AEE Trade Mission to the Nordics, please read the full report.

Here’s to more successful missions, insightful learning, and global collaborations in the future!