Energy Farmer
Energy Farmer (Energibonden) turns farms into learning arenas for renewable energy, digital skills and green value creation. The project brings together farmers, energy companies, schools and technology suppliers – and becomes the first pilot for our upcoming Nordic Edge Academy. It also bridges our Agritech and Smart City clusters through a shared focus on competence and innovation.
Energy Farmer – building the future of on-farm renewable energy
Rogaland is Norway’s leading region for both food production and energy. With Energy Farmer, we bring these strengths together by transforming farms into hubs for renewable energy, hands-on learning and practical innovation. The project equips farmers, students and companies with the tools they need to make informed decisions about energy and sustainable operations.
By combining digital learning, demonstrations, and collaboration across sectors, Energy Farmer offers a model that links agriculture, technology and education in a new and scalable way.
Photo: Windmills and tractor at Varhaug. By: Kjartan Nyberg Håland
Why it matters
For farmers
- Lower barriers to adopting renewable energy
- Better understanding of costs, technology and practical steps
- Reduced energy costs and stronger resilience
- A network of peers and experts
For the energy and technology sectors
- Access to real-world testbeds
- Insight into agricultural needs
- New opportunities for pilots and innovation
For education
- More applied learning
- Inspiration for new educational pathways in green energy
- Practical experience connected to future skills needs
Bridging Agritech and Smart City
The project brings together energy management, digital tools, flexibility services and sensor technology – solutions widely used in cities – and adapts them for agricultural use. Energy Farmer therefore becomes a strong example of how our two clusters create value together.
A pilot for Nordic Edge Academy
Energy Farmer is the first real-world test of how Nordic Edge Academy will work: modular learning, practical demonstrations, collaboration with schools and open access to high-quality material. The project sets the foundation for a broader competence platform serving both industry and public sector.
Looking ahead
Although the project runs until 2027, the results will last: open learning resources, a permanent network of learning farms and a model ready for national scaling. Energy Farmer is a practical step toward a future where farms are engines of both energy and food production – smarter, safer and more sustainable.
