06 Jun 2019

Energy ConFusion – an important meeting place for a sustainable future

How we produce, store and use energy when electrification, digitalisation and connected industries request renewable energy was something discussed during the conference and meeting place, Energy ConFusion which was arranged by North Sweden Cleantech and partners in Skellefteå June 3-5 2019.

- North Sweden Cleantech has created the first and biggest international conference in renewable energy in northern Sweden. My hope is that we, through this conference, spread the knowledge that Sweden and the Nordics have a central role in the future transformation from fossil energy to renewable and clean energy, says Susanne W Lindström, Director of North Sweden Cleantech.

That Energy ConFusion is held in northern Sweden is no coincidence. The region is strong within green technology, clean energy and sustainable solutions. In this region you have the knowledge and the natural resources that can create a sustainable future and Bengt Ivansson, Trade and Business Development Manager at Skellefteå Municipality, argues that the strong industrial tradition in the region is a huge asset.

- The whole region of northern Sweden deserves attention in this area and Energy ConFusion is an important part of the puzzle. It puts our trade and industry in the right context both internationally and startups and leading company, says Bengt.

Interesting content

That the world is facing a big change is nothing new and will require innovations and collaborations and Energy ConFusion is a meeting place where ideas can come to life, collaboration and new connections can be created.

- I am impressed, a well arranged opportunity to meet, to listen to so many interesting speakers and get outlook on energy matters in a changing world of energy.  A meeting place that is needed, says Karin Hedlund, vice CEO and CFO at Umeå Energi and one of the speakers.

The program was packed with interesting speakers who enlightened different aspect of the transformation to a sustainable energy system. 

- Extra interesting was Eric Vettel from American Energy Society who enlightened the importance of working more with the cyber security aspect of Smart Cities, says Susanne W Lindström.

Collaboration important for a sustainable future

The strong collaboration between business and academia in the region as well as between different industries is one reason why the trade and industry has had a positive development. Today the forest industry offers more and more sustainable ways to use wood through the combination of machine distributers, saw mill companies, constructors and strong research environments. Collaborations in mining has driven a conversion, making the companies world leading in innovation and technology development. Collaborations between businesses and academia has made the region into a smart region with development in smart sustainable solutions. Northvolt chose to establish in the region due to, among other things, the renewable energy from Skellefteå Kraft and the knowhow with the trade and industry in the region.

- In every industry, collaborations have created new possibilities, strengthened competitiveness and contributed to positive effects regarding areas such as safety and working environments. When we are open to new ideas and perspective, we create good possibilities for it to continue. Therefore, meeting places such as Energy ConFusion are very important, says Bengt Ivansson.

The event exceeded the organizers expectations and it was appreciated by the visitors, another proof that collaboration is important.

- The planning and execution of Energy ConFusion shows that collaboration is crucial for success. We are extremely happy and proud that strong partners, both within and outside the region, gathers behind this event and has also been active in creating this new meeting place, says Sanna Orellano, Project Manager at Energy ConFusion.

Facts Energy ConFusion

Energy ConFusion is a meeting place that gathers important actors to discuss, inspire and create new connections for a sustainable future. It is a mix of conference, matchmaking, exhibition and meeting place arranged by North Sweden Cleantech together with the main partners Northvolt, Boliden, ABB, Skellefteå Kraft, Swedish Energy Agency, Umeå Energi and InnoEnergy. The arrangement was also supported by Skellefteå Municipality, Umeå Municipality, GreenExergy, Ignite Sweden and Node Pole.

Read more about Energy ConFusion here