The founders of ECOnnect Energy have been nominated for the prestigious EY Entrepreneur of the Year award in Norway’s Eastern region. Starting as students at NTNU, they built ECOnnect into a major player in sustainable energy, creating innovative technology that enables flexible, environmentally friendly energy transfers from ship to shore. Their work supports 8.5% of Germany's gas demand, showcasing their commitment to growth and social responsibility in the energy sector.
The four founders have built ECOnnect Energy into a prominent player in the energy industry, with a strong focus on sustainable solutions and innovative technology. Through their dedication and firm values, the team has helped drive the company’s impressive growth and commitment to social responsibility.
The founders were students at NTNU when they started the company in 2012. Since then, ECOnnect Energy has developed technology that allows energy to be transferred from ships to shore without requiring large, permanent onshore installations. The solution is flexible and environmentally friendly, making it easier to transport energy to places where building infrastructure would otherwise be difficult or costly.
“We have a floating solution that is much faster and cheaper and does not damage the seabed,” says founder and CEO Morten Christophersen.
Securing Energy for Germany
In 2022, the company announced a major deal with hydrogen company TES, which included the delivery of ECOnnect Energy’s LNG transfer technology to Wilhelmshaven. This technology allows for the transport of gas from ships to land without extensive onshore infrastructure. With this solution, ECOnnect provides infrastructure to meet 8.5% of Germany’s gas demand, strengthening the country’s energy supply during challenging periods.
“ECOnnect’s founders are not only leaders but also pioneers within the energy industry. They have shown an impressive ability to think long-term and to place sustainable solutions at the core of their business,” says Hanne Thu Clausen, Chief People Officer at ECOnnect Energy.
A Unique Entrepreneurial Award
The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year (EOY) program is the world’s largest initiative celebrating entrepreneurs, with awards given in over 60 countries. EY considers more than just financial growth when evaluating candidates; the program emphasizes the entrepreneurs' personal commitment, values, leadership, and environmental awareness. Through this program, EY aims to highlight entrepreneurs who create lasting value and demonstrate genuine social engagement.
“It’s rewarding to see how EY, with this award, recognizes the entirety of businesses like ours – the long-term perspective, environmental responsibility, and above all, the people behind it all,” says founder and CFO Miriam Wennberg.
Potential for Main Winner
The EY Entrepreneur of the Year jury selects one regional winner from each of its six regions, along with six national finalists across regions. These twelve national finalists compete to become national winners in the categories of Trade, Industry, and Services. Ultimately, one main winner will be crowned EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2024.
“It would be an honor if the ECOnnect founder team went all the way. Being nominated in the Eastern region is already a great recognition and shows that our work is being noticed beyond our own industry,” concludes founder and CEO Morten Christophersen.
