IVA's Gold Medal 2024: Bo Normark – a guide to the electrified society
Bo Normark is the civil engineer who has made electrification his trademark. For over 50 years, he has worked to develop the technical and political solutions required to build the sustainable energy systems of the future. It is about smart electricity grids and energy storage that are the key to getting wind power, solar energy and other renewable energy sources to reach their full potential.
Bo Normark is often described as a pioneer in Swedish and European power technology. During more than half a century in the energy industry, he has made a name for himself as a visionary who early predicted and worked for the development towards a fossil-free society. During his long career, he has been instrumental in paving the way for the electrification of society by driving research, innovation and policy decisions in smart grids and energy storage. Technology that is a prerequisite for large-scale expansion of renewable energy production.
Bo Normark has played a key role in the development of HVDC (High Voltage Direct Current) technology, which today has opened up new opportunities to bring in power from large offshore wind farms. His efforts have also contributed to Europe closing in on the US and China when it comes to investments and development in sustainable battery production.
“What I am most proud of is that these visions and these grand ideas are being realised. I can see it in the form of the industries that have developed in Sweden, both the traditional ones and the new ones we have created. These are enterprises that are world-leading today.”
Jury citation
Bo Normark, PhD, is awarded IVA's Gold Medal for his efforts in smart grids and battery systems as he has had a central impact on the development of energy storage and electrification in Sweden and Europe. He has been, and still is, a driving force in inspiring Swedish and international technology development in electric power and electrification.
About Bo Normark
Bo Normark was born in Skellefteå in 1947 and graduated with a Master of Science in Electrical and Systems Engineering from Chalmers University of Technology in 1971. He then joined ABB, where he contributed to the development of HVDC technology (High Voltage Direct Current), which has created new opportunities for efficiently transmitting electricity over long distances. During his career, he has served on the board of Svenska kraftnät and the government’s Coordination Council for Smart Grids. Over the past ten years, he has played a key role within EIT InnoEnergy, where he has been a leading figure in the creation of the European Battery Alliance, aiming to establish a viable European industry for sustainable battery production. Bo Normark has also been involved in the development of Northvolt and has acted as an advisor to H2 Green Steel.
Bo Normark was appointed honorary doctor at KTH in 2021 and has been a fellow of the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (IVA) since 2008.
IVA's Gold Medal
For more than a century, IVA has celebrated excellence in technology, economics, business and society by awarding Gold Medals to people who, through their outstanding achievements, have helped to create a better society.
IVA's Gold Medal is awarded for meritorious work within the academy's field of activity.
More on IVA's Gold Medals
