When your heart beats to driving the energy transition, working with innovations and investments in an energy company is quite the perfect fit. Linda Werner grew up with a passion for energy and climate, which led her to pursue a master's degree in chemical engineering from Chalmers University of Technology with a focus on Energy and Environment, as the program was called in 1999. Linda’s path has taken her from an environmental coordinator at Shell to working abroad, and eventually to St1, where she has held various positions mainly focused on renewable energy.

After 10 years with St1, Linda is now heading the Group's Investments and Innovation team, herself being located at the St1 Refinery in Gothenburg, Sweden.

“My role is to explore future investments, leading St1 to new business opportunities, collaborations, and funding”, Linda explains.

Linda finds her current position extremely interesting as it puts together everything she has learnt so far in her career in the energy sector.

“I'm able to combine various elements to create effective solutions, trying to look for new value chains and add-ons to new value chains but also improving existing business. It's very much about technology development, but it's also about the legislation, customers, society, environment and what needs to be done in this time of massive infrastructure changes”, Linda explains.

Do not say no, say yes - what if?

Energy transition and climate change cannot be solved alone and with existing solutions. Linda’s role includes actively seeking collaborations where St1 can act as an investor, off-taker, or advisor rather than solely a technology developer.

“We need to understand the global market outlook and gather insights from new businesses and sectors,” Linda points out.

St1 already today utilizes joint ventures to drive innovation and growth in the energy sector. A recent example is the joint venture St1 Biokraft formed in 2024 by St1, HitecVision, and Aneo to create a leading biogas company in the Nordics.

"Other examples to be proud of are of course our partnerships with SCA and Novatron Fusion Group", Linda says.

Many new innovators also call upon St1 for collaboration as the company is highly specialized in its own part of the value chains as technology, fuel and energy expert, with a strong link to sustainability.

“I have at least two new proposals on my table every week and perform the first screening – is this something to further investigate? With the speedy development you cannot afford saying no too much, you must be curious and say yes, what if!”

Linda emphasizes the importance of having your boots on the ground and not rushing away too fast.

“The trend has been to look for one silver bullet but that’s not how reality looks like. Over the years, I've seen hot trends like the hydrogen economy and all-electric solutions come and go, but I've learned that practical solutions require a balanced approach and patience. I’m always into considering the big picture without missing out on the details that might make all the difference”, Linda says.

“Sustainable solutions should be easy in the end, but it takes some iteration to find what truly works."

Game changing achievements

One of the significant milestones in Linda’s career was her role in Brussels as Advisor for the Down Stream Oil Industry Association named FuelsEurope. There she was responsible for the European Parliaments relations and had the chance to successfully advocate several details into the first Renewable Energy Directive.  

"During my time at St1, a real transformation worth mentioning is when St1 acquired the majority of Shell’s downstream business operations in Finland and Sweden in 2010. I was part of that journey, previously employed by Shell coming home from abroad, having the possibility to make a difference in a new organization driving change management. It was a very interesting and rewarding time - we had the chance to deliver on many great initiatives and projects, showing that we were living by the St1 vision!     

“What I really enjoy the most in my job is learning new things and engaging with people. I learn a lot every day and like being challenged. I think it's important to have colleagues that are nice, but also clever enough to stimulate your own development”, Linda says.

Do it with the heart

Linda’s guiding principle during her career has been to understand her employer’s values and vision to ensure that the work she was doing is meaningful and that she could contribute to the bigger picture.

“So you do it with the heart. That makes it worthwhile to go to work every day and walk the extra mile.”

“St1 welcomes change and that offers so many opportunities to the employees. I like the fact that we are a company with a structure able to make quick decisions and try innovative solutions.”

Another advice from Linda is to find a mentor, a person that helps you with your dreams. She also encourages being curious, staying updated with the latest developments in the field, and building a network.

Looking ahead on her own career, Linda envisions a future where St1 continues to play a pivotal role in the energy transition.

“Ideally, with game changing solutions, of course”, Linda laughs.