28 June 2023

Today's Top Nordic Green News:

• Swedish government wont subsidise offshore wind 
• Finnish startup aims to develop small-scale nuclear power plants
• SigmaRoc launches carbon capture facility in Sweden

Swedish government wont subsidise offshore wind 

The Kristerson government has decided that wind power developers should bear the costs of connecting offshore wind farms to the electricity grid on land, instead of the state paying for the cables. The decision has been met with criticism from companies like Vattenfall, which warn that this could hinder offshore wind expansion and jeopardise major projects including the Krieger Flak project. The Minister for Energy, Business and Industry, Ebba Busch (KD) argues that the change promotes technology neutrality and avoids favouring specific power sources, while also addressing concerns of potential unlawful state aid. The proposal is expected to impact the budget and implementation of planned projects, but the government believes the market has already anticipated this change.

Aftonbladet, TT/Omni, Krieger Flak project  

Finnish startup aims to develop small-scale nuclear power plants

Finnish startup Steady Energy has raised €2 million in funding to develop and construct small nuclear power plants for heating residential areas. Originating from the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, the company plans to build a heating plant in Finland using a small nuclear reactor by 2030. The LDR-50 district heating reactor, with a thermal output of 50 megawatts, operates at lower temperatures and pressures compared to traditional nuclear reactors, making it more reliable. Steady Energy aims to target international markets, seeing significant growth potential in the European market where most district heating systems still rely on fossil fuels.

Helsingin Sanomat

SigmaRoc launches carbon capture facility in Sweden

SigmaRoc has launched an innovative carbon capture facility at the group’s Nordkalk Köping site in Sweden. The facility applies Aqualung membrane technology, selected as the most appropriate option by researchers after comparative testing with other absorption methods. The Aqualung membranes offer scalability, low costs, environmental friendliness, and efficient results. The carbon capture module installed at Köping can capture up to 25% of emissions produced during the kiln process. The facility aims to increase the purity of captured CO2 for various applications. Nordkalk plans to expand the carbon capture system and has received partial funding from the Swedish Energy Agency. SigmaRoc, which is one of Europe’s leading quarried materials groups. Implementation of the technology is expected across all Nordkalk's kiln locations by 2030.

Carbon Herald

CirChem granted SEK 10 million green loan from Almi for expansion of production capacity

CirChem, a Swedish company focused on sustainability and circular economy, has been granted a SEK 10 million green loan from Almi. Almi aims to support the expansion of CirChem's production capacity at their Vargön plant, enabling continued growth and development. Aligned with the EU taxonomy for sustainable finance, the green loan undergoes a rigorous assessment process to ensure its contribution to green growth and sustainable development.

Placera

European Energy sells Sicily solar project to IREN

European Energy has announced the sale of the Noto Solar Project, a 20 MW photovoltaic project in Sicily, to Italian energy group IREN. This agreement is part of a partnership between the two companies, focusing on a pipeline of over 438 MW photovoltaic projects in Lazio, Puglia, and Sicily. The divestment aligns with European Energy's strategic plan in Italy to develop renewable energy projects, including solar PV, wind, and green hydrogen. IREN sees the transaction as a step toward achieving its targets of 3.6 GW of renewable capacity by 2030, representing 75% of total generation capacity. The total future pipeline of European Energy in Italy amounts to approximately 3 GW.

EnergiWatch, Press Release

Outokumpu and Nordic Steel join forces to bring low-carbon stainless steel to Norway

Outokumpu, a global leader in stainless steel, has partnered with Nordic Steel to introduce sustainable stainless steel, specifically Outokumpu's Circle Green, to the Norwegian market. Circle Green offers a carbon footprint up to 92% lower than the industry average. The collaboration has been advertised by both companies as aligning with their sustainability strategies and allows Nordic Steel to be the first in Norway to offer this eco-friendly solution to customers. Choosing sustainable steel is a growing trend as companies in various sectors see it as an opportunity to reduce their CO2 emissions, contributing to a climate-neutral Europe. The partnership reflects the shared vision of a sustainable metal sector.

Press Release

Gotland’s electricity grid boosted by SEK 103 million for green energy

The Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth has allocated SEK 103 million for the development of Gotland's electricity grid. The funds will primarily be used to construct and strengthen the grid, specifically by increasing the voltage on the Hemse-Klinte-Ygne route. These measures aim to reduce transmission losses and facilitate the connection of more renewable energy production. The investment is seen as necessary for the region and its industries to undergo a successful climate transition. 

SVT Nyheter

What we’re reading

• China’s $7tn energy overhaul sparks battery ‘gold rush’ (Financial Times)
• India gears up for multibillion-dollar battery subsidies (Financial Times)
• Relentless heat wave scorches US South, air quality deteriorates over Midwest (Reuters)

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