Inside Equinor: The Dilemma of Sustainability vs. Profitability in Energy Companies, with sustainability expert Natacha Blisson

Stories for the future: Exploring Transitions in Energy, Career & Society

Navigating the transformation of the energy sector, particularly as fossil fuel giants like Equinor pivot towards renewable energy, is no small task.

This episode dives into the intricacies of this transition, highlighting the role of sustainability professionals who find themselves at the crossroads of environmental responsibility and corporate profitability.

My guest is Natasha Blisson, a seasoned expert in sustainability at Equinor, with a career journey spanning from the French Ministry for Environment to leading a team focused on managing environmental and social risks within Equinor. Her insights reveal the complexities and challenges faced by energy companies as they strive to balance ambitious sustainability goals with the realities of profitability and market pressures.

The conversation touches on the importance of collaboration across sectors—government, industry, and civil society—to create a unified front in the fight against climate change. Natasha emphasizes that true progress will require innovation not just in technology, but also in economic models and regulatory frameworks. This holistic approach is crucial for developing solutions that are both effective and economically viable, paving the way for a sustainable future.

Natasha provides a candid look at the duality of feeling like a change agent while grappling with the frustrations of an industry that has historically relied on fossil fuels.

Takeaways:

• The energy transition requires collaboration between industries, policymakers, and civil society to succeed.
• Equinor's ambitious net-zero goal by 2050 emphasizes the need for sustainable practices in energy.
• The challenge of balancing sustainability and profitability is a constant dilemma.
• Carbon capture and storage technologies are seen as vital for achieving short-term climate goals.
• Understanding the complexities of energy production helps shift perspectives from good versus bad.