What would Norway be without Stavanger?
DEBATE: There is something completely unique about Stavanger. We have a work ethic that, over generations, has helped shape Norway into the prosperous country we are today.
Debate post
-
Terje Fanebust
Regional manager DNB Stavanger
Value creation in our region began long before oil, and will continue long after the oil adventure is over. Because it is not the oil, the canning or shipping that has made us unique. We have always adapted and created new opportunities, so we have to ask ourselves: What would Norway have been without Stavanger?
Everyone attending this year’s ONS should ask themselves this question. Attention at ONS has moved from oil to energy. We are no longer the oil capital, but the energy capital. Those who stubbornly claim that the Siddis live only on oil have never understood that Stavanger is developing in step with the city’s industry. It is demanding for companies to be in transition, transition requires competence and trust. Now we have to adjust again.
New use of sawdust
Since the start of ONS in 1974, major changes have taken place. We have always adapted. If we look in the rearview mirror, we Siddis and Rogalanders have had a unique ability to adapt and find new opportunities. I think it has something to do with our mentality. The elongated landscape on Jæren is full of stones that the glaciers carried with them. The countless stones have created many challenges over time, but at the same time it has also been a resource. We used it to build houses, walls and bridges. The gardens and the long stone fences are clear evidence that we adapted.
A brilliant example of this change in practice is the Beyonder. They use Norwegian sawdust as a starting point for their batteries. The batteries can be charged up to 100,000 times, and it is necessary to constantly change the batteries. Not only did they use the stone-filled landscape on Jæren to their advantage, but wise minds found out that the sawdust is also a resource. It says something about our region that we are constantly thinking new and creatively, and are always adapting.
We support restructuring
In order to bring about the transition, we at DNB will be a driving force for climate-friendly investments. As the country’s largest financial group, we have great influence for green and sustainable change. Both in Norway and internationally. We at DNB have stood together with our customers and found solutions that contribute to the development of society. The history, both before and after ONS’s inception, is characterized by the fact that we have adapted to new times and challenges.
In the transition to the energy adventure, it will become clear what Norway is with Stavanger. Without Stavanger, we would never have been able to use the enormous knowledge our business and industry has accumulated over generations. It’s worth keeping in mind for anyone visiting the city during ONS.