Hansen, who is currently Head of the Department of Geography at NTNU, brings a wealth of experience from both academia and industry. He succeeds John Olav Tande, who is stepping down from his role at NorthWind to join Statnett as Director of Research and Development.
“I am excited to take on the role of Director at NorthWind and to continue the Centre’s important work in advancing research, innovation and implementation of offshore wind solutions," says Gard Hopsdal Hansen.
Hansen’s academic background includes a master’s degree in economic geography from the University of Bergen and a PhD from NTNU’s Department of Interdisciplinary Studies of Culture. His doctoral research focused on the interactions between Norwegian and Chinese actors in the lifeboat manufacturing sector, with fieldwork conducted in China.
Since then, Hansen has gained valuable experience in the energy sector, including postdoctoral work in energy policy and transitions at NTNU, where he researched offshore wind and helped establish collaboration between NTNU and Shanghai Jiaotong University. His credentials for this new leadership position are strengthened by his industry experience, which includes serving as head of the renewable energy sector at the Norwegian Environment Agency and as CCO for a company developing smart sensors for various industries, including wind and hydropower.
“By combining the industrial and academic expertise of Northwind’s partners with the growing global demand for renewable energy, we have a tremendous opportunity to develop technology and industry for a more sustainable society,” says Hansen.
Knut Samdal, Research Director at SINTEF Energy Research’s Energy Systems department, is confident that Hansen is the right choice to manage NorthWind into the future. “Gard’s broad expertise makes him ideally suited to lead NorthWind in its next phase. His experience as a researcher and manager in both research, public administration and industry will be invaluable as we continue to push the boundaries of wind energy innovation.”
Hansen will be tasked with continuing the Centre’s strong research trajectory while working closely with industry and research partners to develop spin-off projects—an important outcome expected by the Research Council of Norway from FME Centres.
Elling Rishoff, Chairperson of the NorthWind Board, looks forward to working with Hansen. “We are excited to welcome Gard and begin what I’m confident will be a fruitful collaboration. His diverse background and forward-thinking approach align well with NorthWind’s goals. We are committed to drive innovations in the wind energy industry, benefiting both NorthWind partners and society at large.”
Gard Hopsdal Hansen will assume the role of Director of NorthWind at the beginning of January. SINTEF Research Manager Konstanze Kölle will serve as Acting Director in the interim.
About FME NorthWind
FME NorthWind (Norwegian Research Centre on Wind Energy) brings forward outstanding research and innovation to reduce the cost of wind energy, facilitate its sustainable development, create jobs and grow exports. It is led by SINTEF Energy Research and gathers around 50 partners from research and industry around the world. The Centre was launched in 2021 and will continue its operations until 2029.
