Nordic Green News – 1 September, 2020

Swedish industry increases pressure on its government to get going with climate transition

Although the Swedish government is acclaimed internationally for leading on climate change, domestically it has begun to frustrate industry with a lack of decisions and clear direction. This becomes obvious when looking at two separate opinion articles signed by Sweden’s oil industry.

 

New biofuels are available but there is no political decision

The first opinion, signed by the CEOs of SPBI, OKQ8, Circle K, Neste Sweden and other senior managers from the oil industry, throws up its arms at the fact that, “Despite the fact that there is only four months left until 2021 [when new rules meant to come into effect], there is no political decision on how the reduction obligation will be formulated in the coming years.” The representatives of the fuel industry say that the government's indecision is now threatening Sweden's climate goals, through lack of clarity on the use of biofuels in transport.

 

The government must act for a more sustainable flight

The second article, signed by the Public Affairs managers of several of the same companies, plus the 2030 Secretariat (a business sustainability lobby group) and other industry bodies, declares similarly that the Swedish government needs to take the lead and act more, faster and long-term, to change aviation. The debaters present 5 proposals to drive change;

1. A well-balanced reduction obligation for the blending of biofuels in aviation fuel, as early as next year
2. Economic incentives to drive a high mix of sustainable renewable fuels
3. Design of current fees and taxes should steer towards more blending of biofuels
4. Increased local production of biofuels for aviation
5. The government should develop an electric aviation strategy

 

Nordic Region to invest EUR 33 million in green digitalised business sector

In a press release, the Nordic ministers for trade and industry announced that they had approved a raft of measures to help the economy recover in a greener direction in the wake of COVID-19. The package includes an investment in Nordic Smart Government, a major co-operation programme designed to make it easier for companies to operate across the Nordic Region by connecting digital systems.

 

According to Simon Kollerup, Denmark’s Ministry of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs, who is chairing the Nordic ministers for trade and industry in 2020, “the eight initiatives we have agreed on today exemplify how climate measures, the green digital shift, and economic recovery after the coronavirus crisis go hand in hand. These initiatives in areas such as circular and sustainable business models, green transport, and digitalisation strengthen the Nordic Region’s position at the forefront of green innovation and entrepreneurship, and thus contribute to future sustainable growth and new jobs.”

 

Finland's bioeconomy strategy to be updated

Finland’s bioeconomy strategy, prepared in 2014, will be updated to reflect changes in the operating environment and the government program. The aim of the update is to use the bioeconomy to create new products and services that support economic growth and employment and promote the transition to a carbon-neutral society. Work will begin this fall and be completed next year. The Bioeconomy Panel will be chaired by Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä and Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Jari Leppä .

 

But will Denmark go the other way?

Greenpeace, and other Danish NGOs are pressuring their government to reduce the use of biomass (wood) in power generation. The debaters claim that “a large and increasing demand for wood biomass puts a lot of pressure on the forests we need to suck CO2 out of the atmosphere if we are to hope to slow down the climate crisis, and it provides an incentive for a biological depletion of forests and felling of old, large trees with important biodiversity value.” They argue many alternatives exist to end this destructive practice.

 

Skandia launches four fossil-free index-linked funds

Annelie Enquist, CEO of Skandia Fonder said that the company is “now taking the next step and expanding our offering for sustainable savings by redesigning four of our index-linked funds so that they have a low climate risk and sustainability focus. The ambition is for the funds to be among the foremost from a sustainability perspective in the category of index-linked funds.” The change means that companies that extract or generate power from fossil fuels, produce weapons, tobacco, cannabis or violate international standards are completely excluded. Companies with a stronger sustainability profile are given a higher weight and companies with a weaker sustainability profile are given less weight

 

Trioplast launches hand-stretch film with 75% recycled material

Trioplast develops sustainable plastic film products. The company, which is a leading players in its segment, with sales of SEK 5.5 billion and 1,200 employees, announced in a press release that it had taken another step towards circular economy, with the launch of a hand-stretched film made from 75% recycled material, with up to 51% coming from PCR - Post Consumer Recycled material.

 

Swedfund makes large investment in off-grid solar energy

Swedfund, a Swedish development financial agency, has contributed USD 12 million to the Solar Energy Transformation Fund. The investment will contribute to increased access to electricity, as well as increased production of renewable energy for some of the least developed countries in the world. The investment is in line with Swedfund's goal to invest in the off-grid solar energy sector in sub-Saharan Africa, where more than half of the total population lacks access to electricity. Swedfund's capital will be used to provide loans to companies operating in the off-grid solar energy industry.

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