The past year has underscored the urgency and opportunity of regional energy cooperation. Across the Nordics, increased ambitions for the green transition and cooperation have laid the groundwork for a more integrated and sustainable region towards 2030. Nordic Energy Research has played an important role in driving this progress, with results evident across several key areas where Nordic cooperation continues to deepen and deliver tangible impact. 

Contributing to increased Nordic energy security  

Nordic Council of Minister’s Secretary General, Karen Ellemann, together with Nordic Energy Research’s CEO, Klaus Skytte, at the Nordic Energy Security Seminar that gathered high-level stakeholders from across the region in September 2025.

In a troubled world, the need for joint efforts on energy is becoming increasingly important. Energy security and the shift to clean energy can mutually advance each other, and from the Nordic democracy festivals to the Arctic Circle Assembly and COP30 in the Amazon, we have showcased how Nordic efforts can attract international attention.

In the autumn, we also hosted the Nordic Energy Security Seminar in Helsinki together with Finland’s and Åland’s presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers. The participation of Ukraine made a strong impression and illustrated why proactive work in this area is so important. 

Supporting informed decision-making in the region 

A cornerstone of our work is to provide a knowledge base that supports informed decision-making across the region. This year, we introduced the Nordic Energy Systems Programme, designed to enhance national energy planning by advancing networks among institutions and elevating these efforts to a regional level.  

We also published Tracking Nordic Clean Energy Progress 2025, with an updated status on the region’s progress towards climate neutrality. The report shows that we are on track, but the speed of the transition needs to increase if our climate goals are to be achieved in time. In addition, we released several reports, such as A Toolbox for a Secure Energy Supply and Power Purchase Agreements and their use in the Nordics to help strengthen the Nordic electricity market. 

Advancing cross-border networks and arenas 

In April of this year the Norwegian Minister of Petroleum and Energy, Terje Aasland, held the welcoming address at the annual Nordic Electricity Market Forum.

The essence of Nordic cooperation is to work together on shared challenges. Throughout the year, we have hosted Nordic meeting platforms that have brought together a multitude of stakeholders from the region and beyond. The Hydrogen Valleys Conference, the Electricity Market Forum, the Nordic Energy Efficiency Conference, and the Public Support in the Energy Transition conference are just a few of our arenas that together have connected hundreds of people and laid the groundwork for increased cross-regional cooperation.  

Making the Nordics stronger in international energy cooperation 

At COP30 in Brazil, Nordic Energy Research held the seminar “Moving Beyond Climate Neutrality.” The panel included Dan Jørgensen, European Commissioner for Energy and Housing; Sakari Puisto, Finland’s Minister of Economic Affairs; Ole Thonke, Denmark’s Climate Ambassador. Photo: Joel Sheakoski/norden.org

Our region is at the forefront of the green transition and its ambitions for the green transition and our unique model of working together continue to gain recognition internationally. From Expo in Japan to COP30 in Brazil, we have shared Nordic experience and progress on the global stage.  

Our neighbouring countries as well as the EU are important partners for us. We serve as the call management and communications office for the Horizon Europe co-funded Clean Energy Transition Partnership. In that role, we are pleased to see strong Nordic participation in the Joint Calls, where 73% of the funded proposals in 2025 included partners from the Nordics. 

Building a strong team in Oslo 

This year, our office went on a study trip to Brussels to learn more about upcoming directives and to broaden our networks. We have also grown as a team, and we are happy to have welcomed Nina, Elvar, Jan, Kristina, Ingrid, and Tore. Together we will build an even stronger Nordic energy institution moving forward. 

We look forward to connecting next year 

Looking ahead, we will continue to strengthen Nordic energy cooperation even further, which includes several interesting initiatives coming up next year, so stay tuned for new call launches, reports, and programme releases.  

Until then, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all of us at Nordic Energy Research! 

Klaus Skytte 

CEO