For centuries, the
global energy equation has been dictated by resources buried deep within the
earth—coal, oil, and gas. They fueled industries, powered cities, and built
nations, but they also left behind a legacy of pollution, climate instability,
and economic dependencies that have proven increasingly unsustainable. The
challenge today is not just about replacing fossil fuels but reimagining the
entire framework of energy production and consumption. Clean energy is no
longer a lofty ideal or a future ambition—it is a necessity. However,
harnessing nature’s power efficiently, affordably, and at scale demands more
than just technology; it requires vision, strategy, and a relentless drive to
innovate.
Few leaders in the
renewable energy sector embody this drive as distinctly as Torbjørn Kirkeby-Garstad. His career is not one of passive investment or
surface-level advocacy—it is one of transformation. From his early days in
venture capital to his current role as CEO of Norsk Renewables,
Torbjørn has not only championed clean energy but has redefined how it is
financed, developed, and scaled in emerging markets.
Accelerating the Transition to Clean Power
Torbjørn was initially
drawn to the renewable energy sector by a deep desire to make a meaningful
impact on the world. Having started his career in venture capital and
consulting, he soon realized that he wanted to contribute to something more
tangible—something that could drive real change. In 2007, when the opportunity
to join SN Power arose, Torbjørn saw a chance to invest in and develop clean
energy solutions, setting him on a path that would define his career.
Over the years,
Torbjørn’s vision has evolved significantly. Initially focused on individual
projects, he has developed a broader perspective on the systemic changes
required to scale renewable energy, particularly in emerging markets. He now
sees renewables not only as a critical tool for climate action but also as a
powerful driver of economic development. Under his leadership, Norsk Renewables
continues to champion innovative and sustainable energy solutions that
accelerate the global transition to clean power.
Orchestrating
Alliances for a Sustainable Future
Torbjørn
emphasizes that aligning diverse stakeholders in renewable energy projects
requires a combination of shared incentives, transparency, and proactive
engagement. According to Torbjørn, one of the most effective strategies is
involving stakeholders at the earliest stages of planning rather than after key
decisions have already been made. This approach fosters collaboration and
ensures that all parties have a vested interest in the project's success.
When
working with governments, Torbjørn focuses on demonstrating the long-term
economic and societal benefits of renewable energy, helping policymakers see
the value beyond just sustainability. For financial institutions, he highlights
the importance of clear risk assessment and robust financial structuring to
instill confidence in the project's viability. Additionally, engaging suppliers
and contractors from the outset ensures that projects remain both efficient and
feasible.
Torbjørn
believes that trust, open communication, and a shared commitment to success are
the foundation for aligning stakeholders. By fostering a transparent and
cooperative environment, he has successfully navigated complex partnerships,
driving forward impactful renewable energy initiatives.
Merging
Profit with Purpose in Renewable Energy
As CEO of
Norsk Renewables, Torbjørn approaches the balance between short-term
profitability and long-term sustainability by integrating both into the
company’s core strategy rather than treating them as separate objectives. He
believes that financial success is essential for driving long-term
sustainability, just as sustainability is crucial for maintaining financial
resilience in the evolving energy sector.
Torbjørn emphasizes the importance of cost-effective innovations that enhance efficiency while reducing environmental impact. Under his leadership, Norsk Renewables prioritizes strategic partnerships that allow the company to scale its impact while maintaining financial discipline. By aligning the company’s business model with its sustainability goals, Torbjørn ensures that every investment contributes to both immediate financial gains and long-term value creation in the renewable energy landscape.
Turning Turbulence into Renewable Triumphs
Torbjørn identifies the Philippines as one of the most challenging markets he has worked in due to extreme weather events, regulatory hurdles, and infrastructure limitations. Despite these challenges, he has successfully optimized renewable investments in the region by focusing on resilient infrastructure, engaging local communities, and fostering strong relationships with regulators.
Torbjørn emphasizes that the key lesson from this experience is the importance of flexibility and local partnerships. He believes that every market presents unique challenges and opportunities, requiring a tailored approach rather than a one-size-fits-all strategy. By adapting to local conditions and collaborating with key stakeholders, he has been able to drive successful renewable energy projects even in complex and demanding environments.
Smart Deals
and Stronger Grids
Torbjørn
sees corporate power purchase agreements (PPAs) as a transformative force in
the renewable energy industry, diversifying revenue streams and reducing
reliance on government policies. He believes that corporate PPAs provide
financial stability for renewable projects while enabling companies to achieve
their sustainability goals.
Additionally,
Torbjørn highlights the growing importance of ancillary service contracts,
particularly in areas like battery storage, which play a crucial role in
maintaining grid stability. Looking ahead, he expects these mechanisms to drive
greater private-sector involvement in renewable energy, fostering increased
market competitiveness and innovation. By shifting towards these alternative
financing structures, he sees the industry evolving into a more dynamic and
resilient sector with broader investment opportunities.
Building
Trust, Transparency, and Tomorrow’s Energy Future
Torbjørn
emphasizes that strong governance is essential for the success of renewable
energy projects, ensuring transparency, accountability, and ethical
decision-making. He believes that effective governance structures are critical
for long-term sustainability and investor confidence.
In his
roles as a Board member and Chairman, Torbjørn has prioritized establishing
clear oversight mechanisms and fostering a culture of responsibility. He
approaches decision-making with a focus on balancing risk mitigation with
growth opportunities, ensuring that governance frameworks remain both robust
and adaptable to evolving market conditions. His leadership reflects a
commitment to maintaining high standards of corporate governance while driving
innovation and sustainable development in the renewable energy sector.
Turning
Policy Roadblocks into Renewable Pathways
Torbjørn
highlights that regulatory and political challenges are common in emerging
markets, requiring strategic navigation to ensure project success. In Vietnam,
he encountered significant regulatory delays in securing project approvals.
To overcome
these challenges, Torbjørn prioritized maintaining an open and constructive
dialogue with government authorities, aligning project objectives with
Vietnam’s national energy policies, and demonstrating the economic benefits of
renewable investments. Through this approach, the project was successfully
implemented, contributing to Vietnam’s renewable energy targets while
generating local employment opportunities and fostering economic growth. His
experience underscores the importance of proactive engagement and strategic
alignment with regulatory frameworks to drive progress in renewable energy
development.
Engineering
Tomorrow’s Energy Revolution
Torbjørn Kirkeby-Garstad emphasizes that innovation is
a driving force in the renewable energy sector. He identifies battery storage,
digital grid management, and floating solar technology as the key advancements
that will significantly impact the industry over the next five years. Under his
leadership, Norsk Renewables is actively investing in hybrid renewable solutions
that integrate multiple technologies to enhance efficiency and sustainability.
Additionally, the company is exploring AI-driven predictive maintenance to
optimize performance, reduce downtime, and increase overall project
reliability.
De-Risking the Future of Renewable Investments
With extensive experience in industrial renewable
investments, Torbjørn highlights that assessing and mitigating risks in
emerging markets requires a comprehensive approach. His strategy begins with
in-depth market analysis, proactive stakeholder engagement, and robust
financial modeling. To manage exposure, Norsk Renewables implements
risk-sharing mechanisms such as joint ventures and insurance solutions.
Recognizing the complexities of political risk, Torbjørn also prioritizes securing
long-term agreements and actively participating in policy discussions to ensure
regulatory stability and foster a favorable investment environment.
Empowering Teams to Energize the Future
Torbjørn's leadership approach is rooted in empowerment, passion, and adaptability. He believes in assembling teams of individuals who share a deep commitment to the renewable energy mission and providing them with the autonomy to innovate and solve complex challenges. Under his guidance, Norsk Renewables has fostered an inclusive culture where diverse perspectives are valued, leading to high-performing teams. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of resilience, recognizing that navigating the challenges of renewable energy development requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to keep teams motivated and aligned despite uncertainties.
