The new collaboration project focuses on the areas of smart energy systems and circular economy. Smart energy systems concern, among other things, modern flexibility solutions and new principles for controlling hydropower. When it comes to circular economy, focus areas include the 6G-connected industry of the future, increased sustainability through modularization of products, and new business models.

The project is divided into 15 sub-projects, five of which are conducted within the framework of the Arctic Center of Energy. 

-We have high hopes that the project will contribute to harnessing the power of the local business community to speed up the green transition in the region, says Karl Andersson, professor of distributed computer systems at Luleå University of Technology, Campus Skellefteå.

Green Transition North is a collaboration between academia and 15 companies working on the green industrial transition in northern Sweden: LKAB, Northvolt, H2 Green Steel, Uniper, ABB, Hitachi Energy, Skellefteå kraft, Pite Energi, Luleå Energi, Bodens energi, Vattenfall, Ericsson, Hexatronic, AFRY, and Lumire.

- Based on their specific challenges, the companies are matched with small and medium-sized companies in the region that want to transition and be part of the sustainable industry ecosystem. Through the project, we ensure that the stakeholders come in contact and that the SME companies meet the needs of the large companies, Karl continues.

Each sub-project consists of representatives from a participating large company, SME company as well as senior researchers and PhD students. 

- Based on the identified challenge and the needs of the large company, they work together to find a solution. Some sub-projects will be experimental, while others will be of a more theoretical nature. The focus is on innovation, business development and collaboration through applied and needs-based research, Karl concludes.

Green Transition North starts on April 1, 2023 and runs until March 31, 2026. The operation has been granted SEK 58 million by The Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth along with other funding agents.