Bjørn Utgård
MSc, Energy and Environment Engineering
EMIL, UKA, TSS, NTNUI, BEST, ISFITA
"Our commitment to zero emissions is not just about adapting to new technologies; it's about leading a revolution in how we think about movement and sustainability on our waters. Together, we are charting a course towards a cleaner, more sustainable planet."
Bjørn brings over 35 years of expertise in the fields of international energy, climate policy, and clean technology.
He has collaborated with international clients and partners across Europe and Latin America, specializing in areas such as electric mobility, renewable energy, industrial processes, cleantech financing, the hydrogen economy, climate negotiations, and cleantech innovation and entrepreneurship.
Between 2012 and 2018, he offered significant support to initiatives like Nivela in Latin America and Costa Rica Limpia.
His teams nave played a pivotal role in numerous projects related to electric mobility in Norway and various emerging economies. Their notable work, “Electrifying emerging markets; the case of Costa Rica,” was awarded “Best Paper” at the International Electric Vehicle Symposium (EVS30) in Stuttgart in October 2017, highlighting the significant contributions to e-mobility projects across the Americas and Europe.
Accomplishments
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International. Renewable Energy Policies for Cities. The Case of Costa Rica. IRENA, 2021
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International, Project for the International Climate Politics Hub funded by the European Climate Foundation. 2020-2021
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Mexico. Non-technical case study write up of electric buses feasibility study. C40 financial facility. London. 2019
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Latin America, Decarbonization explanation strategy. 2050 Pathway Platform. 2019
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Latin America, Report on Electric Mobility developments in Latin America and The Caribbean. ONU Ambiente. 2018
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Costa Rica. National Decarbonization Plan. A work in collaboration with Tempus Analytica guided by the Ministry of Environment and Energy and financed by the Inter American Development Bank. 2018-2019
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Costa Rica. Action Plan 2018-2022 to the National Decarbonization Plan, a project by the Ministry of Environment and Energy and the Climate Change Directorate, funded by GIZ Germany, 2018
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Latin America, Project for the International Climate Politics Hub on COP25 funded by the European Climate Foundation. 2017-2019
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Costa Rica. Essentially Electric: How the Costa Rica Can Lead in Electric Mobility. Developed a roadmap for electric mobility in Costa Rica. Supporting congress, government agencies, companies and NGOs with cutting-edge knowledge on electric vehicle technology and policy.Costa Rica Limpia. 2017
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Norway. Analysis of the prospects for creating a market for biogas to transport. Analyzed the technological, commercial and strategic opportunities and barriers for biogas (biomethane) as a transport fuel in Norway to provide recommendations for policy measures throughout the supply chain.
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Costa Rica. Bridging the Green Growth Gap in Costa Rica. Project by ODI and GIZ. 2016
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Colombia, Chile, Mexico, Peru. Toward a Green Growth Platform in the Pacific Alliance. Project by the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership CISL, 2015, 2016
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Norway/The Netherlands. Development of a smart EV charging system. Project lead. Developed business models, technology concepts and relationships for establishing a smart charging system for EVs in Norway.Jedlix and Elbilforeningen. 2017.
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Norway. Liquid biogas value chains in Norway. Project to develop an innovative liquid biogas value chain in northern Norway. Provided technology and industry biogas expertise to the team and developed novel value chain proposals. Barents Naturgass. 2016
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Costa Rica. Improving the conditions for Distributed Energy Innovation in Costa Rica. Project development and management with a grant from the British FCO through the Science and Innovation Fund. Analyzed the international electricity industry, interviewed industry champions and prepared analysis on drivers and opportunities for innovation. Facilitated stakeholder dialogue to gather ideas, build capacity and propose follow-up projects. Elaboration of concrete innovation proposals for local stakeholders and follow-up. Lead author of 160-page final report. Available here.
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International. Back office support to Nivela project since 2014, Latin American climate and development policies.
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Belarus. Joint project with COWI and NEFCO to help advance electric mobility in Belarus, 2018.
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Spain. Collaboration with the Smart Island World Congress 2018 to provide a keynote speech about fossil-free Costa Rica.