SINTEF ENERGI AS

Their core work

SINTEF Energi is the energy-focused division of Norway's largest independent research organization, specializing in power systems, renewable energy technologies, and carbon capture. They operate large-scale laboratory infrastructure for testing CO2 capture processes, smart grid systems, and offshore energy technologies. Their work spans the full chain from industrial heat recovery and hydropower flexibility to CCUS deployment and energy system modeling, serving both European utilities and heavy industry. They bridge fundamental research and industrial application, frequently translating EU project results into tools and platforms usable by energy companies and grid operators.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In their early H2020 period (2015–2018), SINTEF Energi focused heavily on industrial energy efficiency — heat pumps, waste heat recovery, supermarket refrigeration — alongside foundational CCS laboratory infrastructure. From 2019 onward, their work shifted decisively toward energy system integration: smart grids, open energy models, offshore wind, CCUS policy implementation (SET-Plan), and grid flexibility planning. The transition reflects a move from component-level energy technology toward system-level energy transition tools and pan-European coordination platforms.

SINTEF Energi is moving toward open energy system modeling and SET-Plan coordination roles, positioning itself as a go-to partner for projects that need pan-European energy scenario analysis and grid integration expertise.

How they like to work

SINTEF Energi operates primarily as an active research partner (31 of 39 projects), but takes the coordinator role in strategically important areas — particularly CCUS and energy modeling (6 coordinated projects). With 434 unique consortium partners across 30 countries, they function as a well-connected hub rather than a closed-circle operator. Their participation in 10 CSA (coordination and support) projects alongside 22 RIA projects shows they are equally comfortable with policy coordination and hands-on research, making them a versatile consortium member.

An exceptionally broad European network of 434 unique partners across 30 countries, with particular density in Nordic and Western European energy research. Their involvement in pan-European infrastructure projects (ECCSEL, ERIGrid, MARINET2) gives them connections across virtually every major energy research institution in Europe.

What sets them apart

SINTEF Energi combines deep technical capability in CCUS and renewable energy with operational research infrastructure — they don't just model systems, they run the labs where technologies get tested. Their dual strength in both Coordination & Support Actions (policy/roadmap work) and Research & Innovation Actions (technical R&D) means they can help a consortium navigate both the political landscape and the engineering challenges. For partners looking to enter the Norwegian energy ecosystem or access North Sea offshore test conditions, they are the natural entry point.

Highlights from their portfolio

• CHEERS
  Largest single grant (EUR 2.7M) as coordinator, tackling industrial CO2 capture with a rare Chinese-European collaboration angle.
• Open ENTRANCE
  Coordinated an open-data energy transition modeling platform — signals their shift toward system-level thinking and open science in energy planning.
• CEMCAP
  EUR 2.3M coordinated project on CO2 capture from cement production, demonstrating their ability to lead large CCUS initiatives targeting hard-to-abate industrial sectors.