We who work at Ilmatar Offshore on the Åland Islands are a part of the growing Nordic energy company Ilmatar that employs just under 80 persons. We all want to make a difference and participate in creating tomorrow’s energy systems.
As citizens in the privileged part of the world, we have a moral obligation to work hard for the energy transition. Waiting for someone else to take initiative is not an option, since we are to a great extent responsible for the current situation. We took shortcuts and lived beyond the means of future generations; now we must turn the ship and start settling our debts. And the way forward is renewable energy. Loads of it.
My driving force is to unite people from all walks of life to work for a common goal. My vision is to enable a green transition by combining societal trust and bottom-up inclusion with local driving forces and synergies through public-private partnerships. This way, more people win in the long run. Although increasing the share of wind energy is not the whole solution, it is a part of it. This is what motivates me to work for Ilmatar, a company that truly shares my values.
“Now we must turn the ship and start settling our debts. And the way forward is renewable energy. Loads of it.”
We cannot bypass the local community in the transition to green energy. We must ensure that planning is carried out with respect towards the community and on nature’s terms.
I have always been fascinated by sea life. My interest led me to become an amateur diver, a professional environmental and marine biologist as well as an expert in maritime spatial planning.
When the Åland Government drafted the regional maritime spatial plan for the Åland Islands, I managed the project. During the course of the project, I realized that offshore wind energy is a great opportunity for Åland. Now, I have the chance to realize this vision in practice. However, the local community cannot be bypassed in the process. We must ensure that planning is carried out with respect towards the community and on nature’s terms, since this is the only way to create sustainable long-term success. This is Ilmatar’s vision as well as my own – for a good future with a good conscience.
Economy driven by passion. As an entrepreneur wooed by words, I find this concept so inviting. A timely yet timeless thought that resonates well with the present where we must redefine our ideas of growth, profit, and success.
So – what does it mean? In short: it is about turning necessity into opportunity. To understand that the drivers and value base of a company and its employees stand for more than the bottom line. That good economy is also a means of moving forward and creating change. To NOT claim to know everything in a world where uncertainty is the only certainty.
Change is never easy. On the contrary – change is uncomfortable and aggravating, gives rise to debates and is ridden with disinformation. I believe that communication can cure, prevent, and alleviate the awkwardness and difficulty associated with change.
Change is never easy. On the contrary – change is uncomfortable and aggravating, gives rise to debates and is ridden with disinformation.
The wind blowing on, over, and around our islands can provide energy to far more than just ourselves in the best way that humans have invented so far.
I live on Kökar, a small island in the archipelago of Åland, about the size of Manhattan but with 250 inhabitants. I dedicate myself to trying to understand islands throughout Europe. I often speak about sustainability, about how to achieve jobs, housing, children, shops, schools, healthcare, ferries, water, and energy in a long-term, sustainable manner.
The wind blowing on, over, and around our islands can provide energy to far more than just ourselves in the best way that humans have invented so far.
I have investigated infrastructure – ferries, flights, energy, water, and sewage – on a large number of islands in the Baltic Sea and in Europe. At KTH, I worked on leadership and change. I am convinced that Åland and Ilmatar have a intertwined future, and we should find a model for it.
My whole life, I have seen the seascape of Norrhavet and Väderskär from my cabin window in all kinds of weather, all year round. For me, it is self-evident that we have to make the effort to keep the sea as healthy as possible. The environment is also protected by stringent regulations that forbid projects risking significant damage to natural surroundings. Projects that affect the environment are carried out according to a specific process where all affected parties are heard and can have an impact. This process is my area of expertise at Ilmatar Offshore.
It goes without saying that offshore wind has an impact on the natural surroundings, but I am convinced that the advantages of offshore wind far outweigh its disadvantages. We need to harness the power of the sea and the wind. Climate change is the greatest known threat to the environment, and the transition to green fossil-free energy is the greatest challenge faced by my generation. I want to be a part of the good forces driving development in a sustainable direction.
We need to harness the power of the sea and the wind.
CREATED BY APRIL KOMMUNIKATION
Or send an e-mail to anna.karlsson@ilmatar.ax
