Over the past three years, the Interreg Aurora-financed Bothnia Green Energy project has connected cities, regions, and energy companies across Sweden and Finland. The project has shown how cross-border collaboration can deliver practical, sustainable results in pursuing the energy transition. Serving as a model for other European regions, the project has fostered collaboration, knowledge exchange, and practical energy solutions across the Kvarken Strait. On October 23rd, the achievements of Bothnia Green Energy were presented at the project’s final conference, Beyond Borders, in Örnsköldsvik.
During the conference, attendees – including energy professionals, regional stakeholders, and partners – discovered how the Kvarken region’s efforts have garnered international recognition. As a recent example, Project Manager Sofia Törmä shared how the project’s collaborative approach and practical solutions to shared European energy challenges had impressed Nordic ambassadors, the Romanian Minister of Energy, and senior executives from leading energy companies during a conference in Bucharest, Romania.
Project Manager Sofia Törmä shared the positive feedback the Bothnia Green Energy project had recently received in Bucharest, Romania.
Bothnia Green Energy’s hands-on approach has also attracted political attention for its ability to build trust and long-term cooperation across borders. In a video greeting at the conference, Joakim Strand, Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering of Finland, emphasized the broader significance of this cross-border work:
“This collaboration is not only about technology or infrastructure. It is also about trust, shared values, and the willingness to learn from each other.
Practical solutions and knowledge sharing
Trust and collaboration were central themes throughout the conference, with participants sharing experiences and exchanging insights.
Attendees learned about various project initiatives with measurable impact. A study on direct current (DC) networks for industrial and commercial use revealed potential efficiency gains and cost savings. Job-shadowing programmes between Swedish energy company Övik Energi and Finnish partner Herrfors provided opportunities for employees to gain hands-on experience and exchange best practices, highlighting the human element of cross-border cooperation.
Michaela Dahlsten from Herrfors and Axel Lindberg from Övik Energi shared their experiences with job shadowing in a panel discussion.
Within the project’s buildings and real estate pilot, matchmaking sessions connected startups and SMEs with property owners, resulting in around 70 meetings focused on energy-efficient solutions. Meanwhile, the project’s webinars on excess heat solutions demonstrated how low-grade heat can be harnessed in greenhouses and urban districts, showcasing both environmental and economic benefits.
Driving innovation through collaboration
The conference also featured interactive panels, emphasising the importance of openness and dialogue.
“Collaboration is key for making everything happen,” said Ulrica Johansson, Business Developer at Liquid Wind.
“Collaboration is key for making everything happen,” said Ulrica Johansson, Business Developer at Liquid Wind.
The energy working committee, established under the Kvarken Council during the project, now offers a platform for ongoing cooperation among Swedish and Finnish energy companies, regions, academia, and municipalities. Project Manager Peter Hedman reflected on the project’s lasting impact:
“The energy committee ensures that the momentum generated by Bothnia Green Energy continues. We are proud to have strengthened cooperation in the Kvarken energy sector.”
“The energy committee ensures that the momentum generated by Bothnia Green Energy continues. We are proud to have strengthened cooperation in the Kvarken energy sector,” said Project Manager Peter Hedman.
Looking ahead
Bothnia Green Energy has proven that cross-border collaboration can deliver real solutions, and that the Kvarken region’s approach – based on trust, knowledge sharing, and joint problem-solving – has relevance far beyond Sweden and Finland. Building on this momentum, the region is ready to continue developing a sustainable and innovative energy future.
