15 June 2023
Today's Top Nordic Green News:
- Hydro produces world's first recycled aluminium using green hydrogen
- Norway and Denmark strengthen energy cooperation on CCUS, offshore wind and hydrogen
Hydro produces world's first recycled aluminium using green hydrogen
Hydro, an aluminium producer, has achieved a significant milestone by successfully producing the world's first batch of recycled aluminium using green hydrogen as an energy source. The test, conducted at Hydro's extrusion plant in Navarra, Spain, replaced fossil natural gas with CO2-free green hydrogen during the aluminium recycling process. The achievement marks a step forward in Hydro's commitment to carbon-free aluminium production and demonstrates the potential of green hydrogen in reducing emissions in the aluminium industry. The results of the test will help inform the development of technology and solutions for large-scale hydrogen adoption in aluminium recycling and other high-temperature industrial processes.
Norway and Denmark strengthen energy cooperation on CCUS, offshore wind and hydrogen
Oil and Energy Minister Terje Aasland of Norway and Denmark's Climate, Energy and Supply Minister Lars Aagaard have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance energy cooperation between the two countries. The MoU focuses on carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), offshore wind and hydrogen. The aim is to develop renewable energy sources, promote low-emission energy technologies and accelerate the energy transition. The agreement acknowledges the expertise and experience of both countries in offshore operations and renewable energy, highlighting the potential for successful collaboration in the green transition.
AFRY contributes to Liquid Sun's technology development for fossil-free fuel production
AFRY, a Nordic technology and consulting company, has played a significant role in Finnish Liquid Sun's efforts to develop a prototype hydrocarbon electrolyser. Through their collaboration, AFRY has provided guidance and expertise, enabling Liquid Sun to advance their breakthrough technology for producing fossil-free fuels and chemicals from air. AFRY's evaluation of potential suppliers and strategic support has facilitated decision-making and optimised resources for Liquid Sun's project. The partnership showcases AFRY's commitment to supporting innovative projects that accelerate the transition to a more sustainable society.
Yara International collaborates on pure ammonia transport
Yara Clean Ammonia (YCA), a division of Yara International, has partnered with Cepsa for the sea transport of pure ammonia. YCA will transport ammonia from Cepsa's plant in San Roque, Cadiz, to Rotterdam, where it will be converted to hydrogen for distribution to industrial and maritime customers in Central Europe. This collaboration aims to support clean conversion goals and provide clean ammonia and hydrogen for various downstream applications in Europe.
Amina Charging expands to Sweden with Enegic and Power Circle partnership
Amina Charging, a Norwegian electric car charger manufacturer, has entered the Swedish market with the pre-launch of their new home charger, Amina S. The company has formed strategic partnerships with Enegic, a dynamic power management player, and Power Circle, a driving force in Sweden's green transition. Amina S offers seamless charging services and easy integration, while the collaboration with Enegic enables intelligent charging with real-time data on energy consumption. Amina Charging's expansion is supported by significant investments from leading green energy investors, including Statkraft.
Renfe, Maersk and Cepsa collaborate on first 2G biofuel trial in Spanish rail transport
Renfe, Maersk and Cepsa have partnered to conduct the first test of second-generation biofuels in the rail sector in Spain. The aim is to make the Algeciras-Madrid corridor a carbon-free route for Maersk's customers. The partners will use renewable diesel on the non-electrified section between Algeciras and Córdoba, and renewable electricity on the section between Algeciras and the capital. The pilot project will last for three months and involve 160 tons of second-generation biofuel made from used cooking oil. This collaboration is an important milestone in achieving Maersk's net-zero emissions goal by 2040.
Sweden's climate emissions decreased in 2022, led by domestic transport
According to a review by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, Sweden's climate emissions within its borders decreased by over 5% in 2022 compared to the previous year. The largest reduction in emissions was observed in domestic transport, attributed to increased use of biofuels and continued electrification. Other sectors, such as industry and electricity production, also contributed to the decrease in emissions. However, if the reduction obligation is reduced as announced, emissions may increase. The reduction in emissions puts Sweden on track to achieve its climate targets, but complementary measures are necessary to reach net-zero emissions.
SaltX partners with Indian cement producer to reduce carbon emissions
SaltX Technology Holding, a Swedish greentech company, has entered into a partnership with Dalmia Cement, a prominent Indian cement producer, to implement its Electric Arc Calciner (EAC) technology. The collaboration aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the cement manufacturing process. SaltX's successful pilot tests have demonstrated the potential of EAC technology in producing quicklime and cement through an electrical process. Dalmia Cement, with its strong climate profile and sustainability goals, is an ideal partner for SaltX's entry into the cement market. The partnership marks an important milestone for SaltX in its mission to provide sustainable solutions for the lime and cement industry.
Stella Futura electrifies hospitals in Ghana with unique financing model
Stella Futura, a Swedish company specialising in green and sustainable energy solutions, has achieved an international breakthrough by successfully electrifying hospitals in Ghana using a unique financing model. The installations of solar energy systems in healthcare facilities have already begun, providing reliable and affordable electricity, reducing diesel consumption and eliminating critical power outages. Stella Futura's innovative contract model allows customers to obtain solar energy "as-a-service" without heavy upfront investments. The project also promotes gender equality by involving 40% female developers, engineers and installers through Stella Futura's "Women on the Roofs" initiative.
Unique energy solution developed for properties in Västra Sjöstaden in Sweden
Serneke Group, in collaboration with Granitor and Trelleborgs Energi, has entered into a letter of intent to develop a unique energy concept for the upcoming properties in Västra Sjöstaden. The concept combines low-temperature district heating, solar cells and hydrogen storage to create a sustainable and resilient energy system. The aim is to increase self-sufficiency locally, minimise climate impact and provide backup power to the system if needed. A feasibility study will be conducted, with completion expected in the first quarter of 2024.
Swedish Perstorp's Project Air granted permit for sustainable methanol production
Perstorp, a Swedish specialty chemicals innovator, has been granted an environmental permit by the Land and Environment Court in Sweden for its Project Air initiative. The permit allows the production of more sustainable methanol and includes the construction and operation of an electrolysis plant for hydrogen production. Through Project Air, Perstorp aims to replace fossil methanol with sustainable methanol, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 500,000 tonnes annually. This step towards ending dependence on fossil feedstock aligns with Perstorp's goal of becoming a global sustainability leader in the specialty chemicals market.
1KOMMA5° acquires Danish Viasol, specialising in energy-smart solutions for Nordic homeowners
1KOMMA5°, a fast-growing cleantech company in green energy, has acquired Danish company Viasol, making its first acquisition in the Danish market. With this acquisition, 1KOMMA5° became a player in renewable electricity for the residential market in the Nordics. The company specialises in solar energy, energy management, energy efficiency and battery solutions. By integrating Viasol into its operations, 1KOMMA5° gains access to additional resources and expertise in storage and battery solutions, as well as digital sales. The collaboration aims to accelerate the transition to energy-smart households and achieve a climate-neutral housing market by 2030. Viasol will also offer 1KOMMA5°'s energy management system, Heartbeat, to Danish villa owners, enabling them to earn extra money through smart energy solutions. The acquisition highlights 1KOMMA5°'s commitment to optimising green products and initiatives, promoting efficient energy use and minimising carbon footprints in households.
Press Release, svenskbyggtidning
Eurowind Energy acquires majority stake in French renewables company Ventelys
Danish renewables group Eurowind Energy has purchased additional shares in Ventelys Energies Partagees, solidifying its majority stake in the French wind and solar company. Eurowind initially acquired a 50% stake in Ventelys in 2017, and this latest acquisition further strengthens its position. Ventelys will become part of the Eurowind Energy group while retaining its own name, and Cyril Desreumaux, one of Ventelys' founders, will continue to run the company. Ventelys is currently working on the development of 38 wind and solar projects with a total capacity of 1.26 GW.
Finnish Ilmarinen Mutual Pension Insurance invests EUR 2.74 billion in climate shares
Finnish pension giant Ilmarinen Mutual Pension Insurance has invested EUR 2.74 billion in new climate-focused iShares ETFs in the US and Japan, launched by BlackRock. Of that, EUR 2 billion was invested in the US fund, with the remaining EUR 745 million going into the Japanese fund. Both investments mark a continuation of the firm’s climate-oriented investment policy, an Ilmarinen spokesperson said. The new iShares ETFs track the MSCI Climate Action indices.
French Beyond Aero wins Brilliant Innovators 2023 Award for revolutionary hydrogen aircraft
Beyond Aero wins Brilliant Innovators 2023 Award, by the Swedish Brilliant Minds foundation. Beyond Aero is a French startup, based in Toulouse, developing the first long range hydrogen aircraft. The company was a distinguished participant in YCombinator, where they successfully secured a substantial funding of EUR 10 million, developed an impressive 85kW prototype, and received recognition as a Top 20 FrenchTech Green company. Under the leadership of Eloa Guillotin and with the expertise of their skilled engineering team comprising more than 30 individuals, they have garnered prestigious honours, including the esteemed French Academy of Technologies and Forbes 30Under30 France. The jury was profoundly impressed by their innovative approach to addressing a significant problem, coupled with their astute commercial acumen.
Fortum expands charging network with over half a million chargers in app
Fortum Charge & Drive, a charging service provider, has significantly expanded its network, offering over half a million charging sockets in Europe. The service, which was previously available in the Nordic region, has now been extended to include one of the largest networks for Norwegian and Nordic customers. This expansion provides electric car owners with more charging options, especially for those travelling abroad. The Fortum Charge & Drive app allows users to access the extensive charging network, offering convenience and ease of use for electric car drivers. The expansion includes a doubling of fast chargers in Norway, a seven-fold increase in charging sockets in Sweden, and a four-fold increase in charging sockets in Finland, enhancing the charging infrastructure for Nordic customers.
CIP invests in CWP's ultra-large-scale green hydrogen business
Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) has completed a strategic investment in CWP Global's development portfolio of ultra-large-scale green hydrogen hubs. The investment, made through CIP's Energy Transition Fund I, involves acquiring a 26.67% stake in CWP's green hydrogen business, which includes projects in Africa, Australia and the Americas. The collaboration combines CWP's expertise in developing utility-scale renewables projects with CIP's financing and infrastructure development capabilities. This investment signals CIP's confidence in the emerging green hydrogen sector, which is expected to play a crucial role in decarbonizing energy-intensive industries and long-range transport. CWP's green hydrogen hub portfolio, with a planned renewable power generation capacity of nearly 22 0GW, has the potential to make a significant contribution to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 or earlier.
Fortum plans small-scale hydrogen production pilot plant in Loviisa, Finland
Fortum has announced plans to design a small-scale hydrogen pilot plant near its Loviisa nuclear power plant in Finland. The 1-2 MW electrolyzer plant, placed in containers on Fortum's property in the Källa area, aims to produce hydrogen for industrial customers. The hydrogen, generated using carbon dioxide-free nuclear, wind and solar power, can be used to produce carbon-neutral fuels for transportation and industry. Fortum's pilot plant will contribute to the development of their hydrogen business and support efforts to reduce emissions in the industrial sector, including the production of fossil-free steel. The investment decision for the pilot plant will be made at a later stage.
Energiequelle aims to double employee count and expand into new markets
Energiequelle, an international renewable energy specialist, plans to double its current number of employees and venture into new markets over the next five years. The company aims to expand its renewable energy projects to at least three additional countries. With a growing project portfolio, Energiequelle has already experienced significant growth, adding around 100 new employees in the past year. The company has invested in management and employee well-being to prepare for its expansion. Additionally, Energiequelle Finland is opening a new office in Vaasa and forming specialised teams for project development, administration, construction, and business development. The Finnish company will focus on solar energy projects, including industrial-scale solar, as well as hydrogen and energy storage initiatives. Energiequelle plans to increase both its business operations and number of employees in Finland, with a total of about 2,500 MW of renewable energy planned across the country.
What we’re reading
- France-Germany Spat Over Nuclear Delays EU Renewables Deal (Financial Post)
- EU told to slash greenhouse gas emissions 90-95% by 2040 (Reuters)
- EU plans to expand investment in carbon capture and storage infrastructure (Seneca ESG)
- EU turns to Africa to build green hydrogen supply (Financial Times)
- Europe pushes ahead with hydrogen pipelines to meet energy demand (Financial Times)
About Nordic Green News
The Nordic countries are some of the most dynamic and successful economies in the world. They are also leaders in sustainability, from renewable energy, biofuels, carbon capture and storage and the hydrogen economy, circular economy business models and battery development, the Nordics are pioneers in policy design, technology development and consumer uptake. Mundus Nordic Green News is covering this transition for the international community. Every day we curate the stories of most relevance to international businesspeople and policy experts from the flow of news. Mundus Nordic Green Indices summarise the meta-data from our daily coverage to enable easy tracking of trends. We supplement these with our own opinion pieces and commentary.
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