'The whole of society must transition’

A new industrialisation is underway in Norrbotten, where access to cheap renewable electricity is an important factor. Are there other reasons for this development that other regions can benefit from?

– In Norrbotten County, we have a good mix of entrepreneurs and innovators. These are people who see the new opportunities for sustainable development within long-established industries but also within businesses planned in future. There is a strong belief in the future, and people from Norrbotten are used to coming together and working together to achieve results. Norrbotten is a large county that borders both Norway and Finland and is also part of the Arctic region. It produces an exciting array of environments that stimulate the growth of a greener industry. Norrbotten has huge potential to help the climate crisis..

According to the County Administrative Board of Norrbotten’s climate and energy strategy, the industrial transition requires more renewable electricity in the region. How can the government agencies concerned help get electricity production up and running?

– We all need to come together at all levels. A green transition is not something you can do on your own. You can tell from the word ‘transition’. We need to do things differently; that goes for the government agencies, the business sector, politics – the whole of society must transition. The Government has launched several commissions to look at, for example, permit processes, and government agencies are trying to shorten lead times for permits through early consultations and working more in parallel.

The industrial projects Hybrit and H2 Green Steel are expected to already be operational within a few years. Do you think everyone has understood how imminent it is?

– More are probably aware today of the proactive plans than compared to just a few years ago. As the county governor, I receive many official visits from all over Sweden and even abroad. I also take every opportunity to talk about the green transition and everything going on here in the county. It is important to spread knowledge in order to increase the influx of people and secure skills provision. Here in Norrbotten, there are a great many interesting jobs for men and women to apply for.

Lotta Finstorp was interviewed by Anders Liljeberg, Senior Consultant at New Republic. ‘Three Quick Questions…’ is a series of interviews conducted by New Republic..