volution is underfoot in the 160-year-old oil and gas industry. It’s a slow change spurred on by digitalization, and the efficiencies and opportunities it creates, as well as a call to action for our climate. The energy sector is responding by turning its attention toward a sustainable future.
One year ago, I relocated to the U.S. to run the North American division of Norway-based Cognite, and I’ve experienced firsthand the energy, enthusiasm and burn for innovation that runs strong here. I don’t feel the same sense of urgency in the U.S. to transform the oil and gas business. There isn’t an immediate regulatory demand, there are little to no incentives from the government and the case for renewables still doesn’t seem to fully sway our friends in fossil fuels.

In addition to exploring wind, we are also seeing that European oil and gas companies are having success in reducing their own emissions through the increased digitalization of their operations.
From health and safety to carbon emissions to measures taken to reduce climate impact, the industry trend is to be more open. This is a positive trend in my opinion, because reporting forces us to confront where we are lacking and to do something about it.
Reflecting on U.S. history, the country isn’t one to stay behind for very long. In the energy transition, there’s much to be learned from European counterparts that have been pushed a bit harder in these early days. But to truly take the next step and possibly even surpass Europe, the American oil and gas industry needs to forge its own path ahead. This means taking the best from Europe and coupling that with good, old-fashioned American innovation and rapid advancement.
The energy transition is happening whether we like it or not.
It is slowly but surely accelerating as governments gain awareness and use regulation to ensure that we are collectively able to slow climate change.
I may be a bit biased, given my role working in the U.S., but I have no doubt that the biggest transformations in the oil and gas industry will take place right here in America, the place where some of the most life-changing innovations have been born.
Let’s learn from Europe and take it even further.
