19 September 2022
Scania to phase out fossil fuels in its supply chain by 2030
Scania has announced that it will phase out fossil fuels from the company's supply chain by 2030. Together with its suppliers, Scania has developed a strategy to eliminate the most common production materials and batteries and says they are the first company in the industry to adopt science-based emissions targets. They have identified four 'hot spots' in terms of emissions through life cycle analysis: batteries, steel, aluminium and cast iron. Together, these account for approximately 80% of the CO2 emissions from the materials used in their production. Scania's goal for 2030 is to use 100% green batteries, 100% green steel, 100% green aluminium and 100% green cast iron. Scania's definition of 'green' calls for the elimination of major sources of emissions through the use of new technologies, green electricity and/or recycled materials. In batteries, for example, it is crucial to have green energy in production. In steel production, the key is to replace coal with green hydrogen. The phase-out strategy will initially apply to production in Europe, but will gradually cover production in China and South America.
Nordregio contributes to the Swedish Green Transition Programme, which has unlocked nearly SEK 3 billion in EU funding
Last week, the European Commission approved plans for three Swedish regions to restructure key industries and support a just green transition. The plans were co-authored by Nordregio and their approval freed up SEK 2.9 billion from the EU's Just Transition Facility. “We have worked a lot on these plans and the Commission's approval is good news," explained Anna-Caren Sätherberg, Sweden's Minister for Rural Affairs, "Sweden should be a world leader in the climate transition and we will use new technologies to create jobs across the country. A fair transition mechanism is an important part of achieving this goal." In announcing the approval, the European Commission praised the project and said that the Swedish Territorial Just Transition Plan could be seen as a benchmark for other EU countries. Nordregio's important role in the process was also highlighted. In Sweden, the Territorial Justice Transition Plan focuses on restructuring the steel industry in North Boden, the metals industry in West Boden and the minerals industry in Gotland. The funds will be used, among other things, to invest in new climate-smart and resource-efficient technologies, such as carbon capture and storage in the metal and cement industries. It will also focus on improving the skills of employees in the affected industries and will complement other EU programmes and national initiatives in the climate field.
Paper batteries can store energy in buildings
Researchers at RISE have developed a sustainable paper battery. RISE researcher and Head of Science at the Digital Cellulose Centre, Jesper Edberg, says they see the potential for buildings to become self-sufficient in energy with the help of paper batteries. The cellulose-based supercapacitor can be built into walls and store energy from solar cells, and can also be used as wall insulation as it provides a barrier against moisture, oxygen and heat. Paper cells or supercapacitors consist of several sheets of paper only a millimetre thick and can currently be manufactured in A4 size. To enable the paper to store energy, cellulose fibres are mixed with electroactive materials such as bio-based carbon and conductive polymers (PEDOT: PSS). Several different layers are screen printed on the aluminium-coated paper, which is used both as an electrical contact surface and as a barrier against moisture, oxygen and heat. The printed electronic units can be used individually or connected in series or parallel to obtain more power, for example by increasing the voltage or capacitance. The research is being carried out at the Digital Cellulose Centre, which develops sustainable recycled electronics by combining forest materials with electroactive materials.
Referendum shows overwhelming opposition to Swedish Söderhamn's offshore wind power
There is strong opposition to the wind farm in the Swedish municipality Söderhamn. "Should the municipality of Söderhamn allow wind power in Storgrundet?" and "Should the municipality of Söderhamn allow wind power in the municipality's territorial waters?" were the two questions on which the residents of the municipality had to vote. The results show that more than half of the voters said no to the municipality's new wind farm. More than 35% of those polled said yes. However, the referendum is only advisory, which means that politicians do not necessarily have to follow the results.
Active construction of large battery plant begins in Sweden
In the context of the energy crisis and the green transition, the share of renewable energy is increasing. But the power challenges that arise when it comes to weather-dependent energy production (e.g. solar and wind) are also important. Swedish companies are therefore beginning to invest and cooperate in sustainable energy storage on an ongoing basis. Recently, the solar company Soltech Energy Solutions signed an agreement with the Swedish energy operator for a large battery facility that will help stabilise the grid through frequency regulation. The order is valued at approximately SEK 15 million. Meanwhile, one of Sweden's first large battery plants is planned for a wind farm in the city of Lagonda. Anna Jäderström, Unit Manager at Svenska kraftnät, says that the restructuring of the energy system and the increased share of unplanned electricity production has led them to need more reserves as well.
Dagens Logistik, Sveriges Radio
Reducing electricity consumption could halve the price of electricity
Electricity prices in southern Sweden could be halved as early as this winter, if the EU quickly achieves the target of reducing electricity consumption by 10%. This is confirmed by a study by the research company Energiforsk. For an electrically heated house, the price cut would save around SEK 4 000 a month this winter. In the short term Sweden needs to reduce its electricity consumption, and in the long term it needs to expand fossil-free electricity generation in the fastest way possible, partially increasing its transmission capacity.
The study "Lowering prices in a hurry" has carried out analyses of how different measures in different regions affect electricity prices in Sweden. Results from the study concludes that firstly, reduced electricity demand would reduce electricity prices the fastest and most already in the coming winter. Secondly, for every percentage point that Europe reduces its electricity consumption, electricity prices for households in electricity regions 3 and 4 will decrease by about 17 cents per kWh. Thirdly, a 10% reduction in demand across Europe could reduce electricity prices for consumers in electricity zones 3 and 4 by around 1.70 crowns per kWh, and last but not least, a 5% reduction in demand in electricity zones 3 and 4 alone would reduce prices by around 40 cents per kWh, even if Europe's electricity consumption does not fall.
Wallenstam makes recycling inventory in Älta
Wallenstam has signed an agreement with the construction and recycling innovation agency Lendager to create optimal conditions for the reuse of the urban development Mera Älta. Wallenstam will build around 1,250 new homes in a total of seven blocks. The first block is already in production and comprises approximately 200 flats and almost 5,000 square metres of grounds. With the development of Älta, Wallenstam wants to connect the square to the existing residential area and create natural and attractive meeting places around culture, services and commerce.
Skanska and Norsk Gjenvinning cooperate on circular economy
Skanska and Norsk Gjenvinning have signed a development agreement for strategic cooperation in the transition to a more circular economy. Since 2010, Skanska and Norsk Gjenvinning have had a framework agreement on the treatment of waste generated by the Skanska project. The contractor's climate ambition is to reduce emissions by 70% by 2030 and achieve climate neutrality by 2045. Norsk Gjenvinning says that cooperation is the basis for creating more circular value chain work. Skanska says they have identified several possible areas of cooperation to be undertaken in the future, and highlight resource management in the value chain as an area with great potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing operational efficiency. Data sharing and the use of modern technology are also areas where Skanska sees great value to be gained.
TECO 2030 launches new product concept TECO 2030 Power Barge
The solution includes TECO 2030 fuel cell modules, batteries, power electronics, safety and automation systems, hydrogen storage and bunkering solutions. The concept forms a scalable multi-megawatt solution for the production of shore power from hydrogen. The concept offers significant benefits in terms of increased safety, lower operating costs, reduced land use and increased flexibility, while also eliminating harmful emissions. Tore Enger, Group CEO of TECO 2030, says that floating and mobile solutions for shore power in grid deficient locations and moored vessels will be a game changer for harmful emissions along our coastlines and in our ports. The TECO 2030 fuel cell generator is a complete hydrogen-powered generating set that can replace fossil fuel generators onshore and offshore for shore power solutions, strengthening local grids, emergency generators for data centres and more.
The Norwegian government is proposing a new business plan: 3 billion to secure jobs and strengthen the energy transition
The war in Europe has led to unusually high electricity prices in some parts of Norway. Despite Norway's very good economic performance, several companies have said they are struggling with their electricity bills. The government has therefore today presented a package that includes loan guarantees and a new energy subsidy scheme for the business sector, which will help electricity-intensive companies during the transition period. The government will continue to work on the details of the plans, which include the following:
- Changes to tax rules which will make it more advantageous to offer long-term and predictable fixed price agreements.
- The creation of a new application-based and framework-controlled scheme administered by Enova, which will allow companies with at least 3% electricity intensity to apply for grants to pay the electricity bill and to invest in energy measures.
- Accelerate the development of renewable energy sources. Wind power, solar power, the upgrading of existing hydroelectric plants and, above all, the acceleration of the development of the electricity grid are some of the things the government is working on.
- A subsidy guarantee scheme for bank loans has been proposed.
- The Minister of Trade and Industry has today sent a letter to all public purchasers in the country, urging balanced contracts and cooperation with companies wishing to renegotiate existing agreements.
Finnish Economic Affairs Minister Lintilä to participate in clean energy ministerial conference in Pittsburgh
Between 21-23 September, the Finnish Minister for Economic Affairs, Mika Lintilä, will participate in the Global Clean Energy Action Forum, an international clean energy ministerial conference hosted by the United States, in Pittsburgh. Lintilä represents Finland at the Forum's plenary sessions, roundtable discussions and panel discussions, where he will present topics related to hydrogen, biorefining and sustainable carbon cycles. At these events, solutions for abandoning fossil energy are sought. During the Forums held since 2010, Finland has been involved in a number of international initiatives aimed at promoting the transition to clean energy. Currently, Finland is actively promoting the integration of energy systems and the use of hydrogen, among other things. The promotion of carbon neutrality targets with the help of low carbon roadmaps and the possibilities of clean hydrogen have been presented as key themes at Finnish side events.
Major Danish industry players join forces to combat plastic waste
Today, many plastic industrial products are incinerated or landfilled after use. Some of Denmark's largest companies are set to change this, with the goal of increasing recycling rates by at least 20% by 2025. Partners in the project include Clorox, Novo Nordisk, Danfoss, Topsoe, BASF, Grundfos and COOP, among others. The Danish Institute of Technology has brought together companies in the Circular Industrial Plastics (CIP) project with a total budget of DKK 41 million. 18 million DKK of this came from the Ministry of the Environment's Environmental Technology Development and Demonstration Programme (MUDP). The aim of the new partnership is to increase the recycling rate of industrial plastics by at least 20% by 2025 and to create a new plastics recycling platform for Danish companies.
Among the participating companies, Novo Nordisk and Clorox face a particular challenge. Plastics from used medical devices are subject to particularly strict legislation, which means that most of them are landfilled or incinerated. However, if the new recycling solution can also ensure the purity of processed plastics, it could contribute to the current legislation preventing recycling within the industry. The CIP project, which is supported by MUDP as a so-called lighthouse project, had to fully test and demonstrate the solution in order to stimulate business in Denmark.
What we're reading
- Brussels faces legal challenge over labelling gas and nuclear ‘green’ (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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