Shaping the Future of Sustainable Energy: A Conversation with ESEIA President Brian Norton
The inaugural interview of the Sustainable Energy Insight features ESEIA President Brian Norton, discussing ESEIA’s strategic vision, current projects, and the future of sustainable energy innovation in Europe. His insights will set the stage for upcoming discussions on challenges, opportunities, and collaborations within the industry.
Interview with ESEIA President Brian Norton:
ESEIA: Can you describe ESEIA’s key initiatives and strategic vision for advancing sustainable energy innovation in Europe?
Brian Norton: ESEIA brings high-quality cross-sectoral, European-wide, and multi-institutional teams. These bring holistic perspectives to solving some of the key energy research, innovation, and capacity-building challenges.
ESEIA: How do you see ESEIA’s role evolving in the next five years?
Brian Norton: I see ESEIA becoming increasingly proactive in contributing to setting the EU R&I agenda. Future projects will probably be larger and more multifaceted.
ESEIA: Could you highlight a recent project or initiative by ESEIA that you are particularly excited about? What makes this project stand out, and what impact do you anticipate it will have on the renewable energy sector?
Brian Norton: ESEIA has made a significant contribution to identifying key opportunities to use renewable energy in Industrial processes.
ESEIA: What do you consider to be the biggest challenges and opportunities for sustainable energy development in Europe today? How can ESEIA and its members address these challenges and leverage the opportunities?
Brian Norton: The key challenges are ensuring that sustainable energy supplies are also affordable and maintaining the security of supply. This drives innovation in energy storage, new local energy markets, inter-sector energy coupling, and user-centric energy systems.
ESIEA: In your opinion, what role do global ecosystem partnerships play in advancing sustainable energy innovation?
Brian Norton: Inclusive global partnerships allow the co-creation of energy solutions that are both rooted locally but draw on global insights and experience.
ESEIA: How do you believe the recommendations in the FP10 Position Paper will influence European research and innovation in sustainable energy? What steps can ESEIA take to ensure these recommendations are effectively implemented and bring about meaningful change?
Brian Norton: It is essential that these recommendations are introduced into relevant policy fora, not just in the European Commission but also in the European Parliament. This may be best achieved in cooperation with other similar bodies (such as EPNOE) and with relevant technology platforms.
About Sustainable Energy Insight:
The ESEIA Blog – Sustainable Energy Insight aims to create a vibrant platform that informs, engages, and inspires sustainable energy experts. The blog will serve as a knowledge hub for ESEIA members, partners, and stakeholders, providing regular updates on projects, achievements, and opportunities in the renewable energy sector.
Interested in contributing? Share your insights through interviews, expert opinions, or project highlights. For more details or to contribute, contact us at office@eseia.eu.
