The project’s objective is to accelerate the development of innovations and sustainable energy solutions via cross-border collaboration together with the Kvarken region’s operators. What makes this project unique is that the region’s energy companies – Herrfors, Kokkolan Energia, Skellefteå Kraft, Umeå Energi, Vaasan Sähkö, and Övik Energi – work together in it.
– We’re very happy that Interreg Aurora’s Steering Committee granted funding for the Bothnia Green Energy project. Working across borders together with Finnish and Swedish parties to promote sustainable energy solutions is highly topical. Collaborating on common issues will most likely strengthen the whole region, says Ms Emma Ödling, Övik Energi’s Sustainability Strategist.
Peter Hedman is the Project Leader for Bothnia Green Energy.
The project is divided into three work packages. The first aims to develop a shared Nordic platform for cooperation in the energy sector. The second strengthens the innovation capacity between SME’s, energy companies, higher education institutions, and public operators. The third draws up a plan to help identify strategically important international organizations, contacts, and platforms that contribute to growth in the northern parts of the Nordic countries.
– Bothnia Green Energy is an immensely relevant project with regard to the energy industry’s ongoing turmoil. We have good opportunities to contribute to this sector’s development thanks to the participation of regional energy companies from both sides of the Kvarken. This is a major strength and a guarantee that the project takes appropriate action now and in the future. The Kvarken Council looks forward to supporting this project in our role as the coordinating beneficiary, says Mr Mathias Lindström, Director of the Kvarken Council.
Mats Brandt, Regional Mayor of Ostrobothnia welcomed the guests to the project kick off 1st of March.
The Kvarken Council EGTC functions as the project’s lead part and coordinating beneficiary, but the broad partnership also includes Jakobstad Region Development Company Concordia, Kokkola Region Development Company KOSEK, Technology Centre Merinova, Science City Skellefteå, Umeå Municipality, Vaasa Region Development Company VASEK, and Övik Energi.
– Bothnia Green Energy is one of our most important projects at the moment! Its purpose is to help solve one of our greatest societal challenges – the development of climate-smart energy solutions for the future. This takes place in cross-border cooperation between energy companies, the industry, universities, and public operators from both sides of the Kvarken. It’s naturally incredibly inspiring to lead such an important endeavor, says Mr Peter Hedman, Project Leader of Bothnia Green Energy and CEO of Regionakademien AB.
Mr Hedman is a consultant contracted by the Kvarken Council to lead the project. Besides him, the project leadership consists of appointed representatives for the network on the Finnish side at Technology Centre Merinova and on the Swedish side in Umeå Municipality.
Jenny Åkermark from Umeå municipality works in the project.
Bothnia Green Energy will stimulate cross-border collaboration and investments in sustainable energy solutions in the geographical area around the Kvarken.
Budget and funding: The project’s total budget is 1,918,400.00 EUR, whereof 1,120,969.00 EUR is EU-funding via the Interreg Aurora programme. The rest of the funding comes from Finnish national and Swedish regional co-funding, the Nordic Council of Ministers, and municipal and private co-funding.
Project partnership: The project partnership consists of the Kvarken Council EGTC (lead part and coordinating beneficiary), Jakobstad Region Development Company Concordia, Kokkola Region Development Company KOSEK, Technology Centre Merinova, Skellefteå Science City, Umeå Municipality, Vaasa Region Development Company VASEK, and Övik Energi.
Financiers: Interreg Aurora, Jakobstad Region Development Company Concordia, Herrfors, Kokkolan Energia, City of Kokkola, Kvarken Council EGTC, Regional Council of Lapland, Technology Centre Merinova, Region Västerbotten, Region Västernorrland, Skellefteå Municipality, Skellefteå Kraft, Umeå Energi, Umeå Municipality, Vaasan Sähkö, City of Vaasa, Vaasa Region Development Company VASEK, Örnsköldsvik Municipality, and Övik Energi.
Project timetable: The project’s runtime is three years, from the beginning of 2023 until the end of 2025.
