The CleanFlowEnergy EU Network played an active role at EUSEW 2026, showcasing Western Norway's commitment to advancing the clean energy transition. As a strong partnership connecting regional stakeholders across sectors, the network continues to foster collaboration, share expertise, and promote innovative solutions that support both Norwegian and European energy and climate goals.
The 2026 European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) brought together policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and regional stakeholders to discuss the future of Europe’s energy transition. Representatives from Western Norway actively contributed to the programme through a series of events, discussions, and collaborative initiatives focused on sustainable energy solutions.
Among the highlights was a dedicated session at the UiB Brussel offc,on Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) from a legal perspective, featuring contributions from experts representing Carbon Management Europe, the EuropeanCommission, and the University of Bergen (UiB). The discussion emphasized that accelerating CCS deployment requires stronger cooperation across sectors and disciplines, as economic, technical, and legal challenges must be addressed simultaneously to ensure effective implementation.
In collaboration with the West Norway Office in Bussels and Stavanger Region European Office participants also showcased the North Sea region’s potential as a strategic and sustainable energy hub for Europe on 8 June and the event 9 June hosted by Energy Transition Norway Cluster.
A key takeaway from this year’s EUSEW was the continued development of the CleanFlowEnergy EU network, which has evolved into a strong partnership connecting organisations across Western Norway. Through knowledge-sharing and joint initiatives, the network is contributing to the energy transition and strengthening regional engagement in European energy policy and innovation.
Among the highlights was a dedicated session on Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) from a legal perspective, featuring contributions from experts representing Carbon Management Europe, by European Commission, and the University of Bergen (UiB) Brussel office. The discussion emphasized that accelerating CCS deployment requires stronger cooperation across sectors and disciplines, as economic, technical, and legal challenges must be addressed simultaneously to ensure effective implementation.
The chat to celebrate 20th anniversary of EUSEW brings together former European Commissioners Andris Piebalgs, Günther Oettinger, Miguel Arias Cañete and Kadri Simson, who shaped Europe’s energy policy in the past, to discuss – together with the current Commissioner Dan Jørgensen – how the continent’s priorities have evolved and what must come next amid a changing geopolitical and economic landscape. Moderated by the European Commission's Director General for Energy.
Keynote from Mechthild Wörsdörfer, Deputy General Coordinating the #justandGeeenEnergyTransition in #DGEnergy outlined the Key Priorities going forward:
🌱 Energy Efficiency & Renewables
- Acceerate renewable energy deployment and improve energy efficiency.
- Reform electricity markets and strengthen long-term planning (10-15 years).
- Expand the use of Contracts for Difference (CfDs) to encourage investment.
- Decarbonise the gas sector and scale up hydrogen for hard-to-abate industries.
🌱 Digitalisation
- Develop smarter and more flexible electricity grids.
- Use AI, data, and digital tools to modernise energy systems.
- Support growing energy demand from sustainable data centres.
- Strengthen cybersecurity and resilience against cyber threats.
🌱 Grid Infrastructure & Energy Integration
- Expand and modernise electricity grids and interconnections.
- Accelerate implementation of the EU Grid Package.
- Improve cross-border planning and cooperation across Europe.
- Secure future funding for strategic infrastructure projects, including links with Norway.
