Sustainable delivery of energy to Europe: An opportunity for change

Stavanger
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Wintershall Dea Magazine Norway hero
Wintershall Dea Magazine Norway hero
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Wintershall Dea/Thor Oliversen

One would think that a career in oil and gas industry breaks with climate and environmental awareness, but it is possible we will have to think again.

  • It is difficult to imagine a more exciting place to work in these times. Just think of starting a career in a company that is working hard to find solutions for the energy transition, which is probably the most important challenge of the century. Being a part of this is very rewarding, says asset manager Anna Østhus and geologist Kay Sørbø in Wintershall Dea.
  • We are very aware of the enormous demand for energy, but also how the industry sees the need for fundamental changes for a future with low CO2 emissions. Much of the knowledge and technology is all in place, and the methods from exploration and extraction are used in the search for new solutions, Kay explains.
  • The need for energy in the world is increasing, and at the same time the war in Ukraine has highlighted the important role of gas and oil for security in Europe. Right now, the most important thing we can do is to continue to supply the world with energy from Norway, at the same time it is crucial that we do not stop with the transition, Anna adds.

Influences from the inside

Most people would have been surprised if they knew how much effort and resources are put into making the industry more sustainable. Yes, we acknowledge the emissions, but we also work continuously for initiatives to reduce them, such as the electrification of fields on the Norwegian shelf. I can think of no better place to influence development than just from within. Kay's debut in the industry went through a so-called trainee program, which offered a number of opportunities: - I got the opportunity to work in the Netherlands and Germany, where I made good acquaintances that I now get good use for in my daily work, while other program participants went to Argentina and Mexico. There are several cultural differences, but you pick up a little of everything along the way. I got opportunities that fit very well with my own interests, such as digital tools, when I started as a geologist. Now I share the days between this and the job as a data scientist, where I explore the possibilities in digital transformation. I could not have been in a better place, he says, adding that machine learning still has a lot to go on.

Wintershall Dea Portrait Anna Osthus
Wintershall Dea Portrait Anna Osthus
Credit
Wintershall Dea/Thor Oliversen
Wintershall Dea Portrait Kay Sorbo
Wintershall Dea Portrait Kay Sorbo
Credit
Wintershall Dea/Thor Oliversen

Technologists in demand

It is still a long time until it replaces us, but we use artificial intelligence as a supplement that provides new insights and products that challenge the way we think - which can be time-saving. Technologists are in high demand, but considering how digital the world has become, I wish the collaboration in the industry was greater. Anna's career was different, with a debut as a drilling and well engineer, via leading engineering positions, off- and onshore, she now works strategically, as an asset manager. - In my 20 years in the industry, I have been lucky to get rewarding assignments. Not solely because of availability, but also adapted to my ambitions, so it's always a good idea to plan your career. I am currently pursuing an MBA, while working full time, which is an example of the company's willingness to invest, even in the more senior staff. For me, it means more opportunities, but a lot depends on the employees' own adaptability, she says. In conclusion, I would like to praise the company for the Flex Forward scheme. In Wintershall Dea we have two core days in the office, the rest we can distribute freely. It's quite unique - and it actually works! 

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