Has managed the construction of solar power plants in Honduras
Sveinung Eskeland led his first ground-mounted solar project in Honduras eight years ago and has since worked as Project Director for Scatec in South America. Now, he has finally joined Endra.
A chance entry into the solar industry
Sveinung comes to Endra from a position as Construction Manager for small-scale hydropower at Hywer. The native of Etne entered the solar industry somewhat by chance, when through Oneworld AS – owned and run by fellow Etne expat Morgan Grindheim – he was invited to contribute to safety assessments of solar parks in Honduras and Jordan for Scatec.
– Through this company, I got the opportunity to lead Scatec’s construction of a 60 MWp solar park and another of 35 MWp in Honduras, says Sveinung. Afterwards, I was involved in construction and warranty work for solar projects in Argentina and Brazil for Scatec and Equinor.
Thrives under time pressure
– I really enjoy working in teams. In construction projects I’ve had the chance to build teams from the ground up, and I look forward to contributing to such a forward-leaning and highly skilled team as we have at Endra.
One foot in Etne, the other in Central America
Sveinung has a long and international career behind him. After studying economics, he married Silvia from Guatemala and moved there to work for a UN organization. Since then, his career has taken him from mine clearance in Angola to hydropower, industry, and fund management, to name a few. He has served as Chief Financial Officer for Norwegian People’s Aid in Angola, and as Regional Representative for Norwegian Church Aid in Central America. Later, he worked with solar energy projects in Latin America and Asia.
– I live in Etne with my family, but since my wife is from Guatemala, we have moved back and forth quite a bit over the years.
Large-scale solar is a young industry
– It is a great privilege to take part in such a young industry. I’ve often reflected on just how new large-scale solar really is. Internationally, it is only 12–15 years old, and in Norway it’s brand new. By comparison, hydropower has a 150-year history, and the oil age began in the mid-1960s.
– I was 49 when I started my career in solar, he smiles, and I am grateful for the opportunity I was given back in 2015. I am truly excited to contribute further to the growth of large-scale solar in Norway and the Nordics.
