26 Feb 2025

Green Testbeds Part 5: The ACE Building – A Platform for Local and Global Expertise

The next up in our article series on the region’s test and demonstration environments takes us to Skellefteå, where the construction of the ACE building is in full swing. As part of the Arctic Center of Energy, this facility is set to become a hub for innovation, bringing together researchers, companies, and students to drive development forward.

--------

The ACE Building – A Platform for Local and Global Expertise

Skellefteå's campus is expanding with the Arctic Center of Energy, an initiative aimed at becoming an international meeting point for research and education in electrification and sustainable energy. At the heart of this initiative, the ACE building is set to be completed in 2027 – a testbed that integrates advanced technology, sustainable solutions, and a strong focus on collaboration.

With ambitious goals to create a space that supports society’s electrification needs, the ACE building combines cutting-edge technology, sustainable construction solutions, and a commitment to cooperation. This initiative aims high, both locally and globally.

“We want to open up and offer all of Skellefteå as a testbed from multiple perspectives. However, we see the campus area as a unique test environment and the ACE building itself as another. The whole project forms a central hub where we can serve as a platform for the global energy transition. The ACE building can function as a showcase for the testbeds available in the electrification sector, such as the Arctic Aviation Hub and Skellefteå Droneport,” says Sanna Orellano, Head of Site and Business Development.

“Here, research and innovation will meet education and practical testing in an environment tailored to our future needs,” she adds.

Sanna Orellano, Head of Site and Business Development.

Innovative Features and Test Environments

The ACE building is being constructed as an integrated part of Skellefteå’s well-established campus area. In December 2024, contractor Peab completed the piling work, allowing the foundation work to begin. The facility will provide state-of-the-art laboratory environments and testbeds while serving as a meeting place for those working with electrification and sustainable energy.

The ACE building is taking shape right next to the Skellefte River. By December, the piling work was completed, and foundation work could begin.

Some of the planned features and environments include:

DC Laboratory: A dedicated space for testing and exploring technologies related to direct current.
Digital Twin: A virtual replica of the building, enabling simulations and analyses of energy flows, security systems, and other processes.
Sustainable Roof: Solar panels and wind power will be integrated, serving as both an energy source and a platform for education and research.

“The entire building is designed as a test environment. From ventilation to energy systems, we will be able to conduct tests and integrate new technologies,” says Sanna.

One of the biggest challenges with future connected buildings is cybersecurity. Through the ACE Cybersafe project, the ACE building will offer opportunities to simulate and test how energy systems and security solutions can be protected against cyber threats.

“Connected buildings are increasingly vulnerable to attacks—30 percent of data breaches occur in smart buildings, and there is a significant knowledge gap in this area. We aim to bridge that gap by developing both solutions and expertise in cybersecurity,” says Sanna.

A Sustainable and Secure Knowledge Hub

The construction of the ACE building is, in itself, part of the innovation process. The project is deeply rooted in sustainability and digitalization, ensuring that everything—from planning to construction techniques—is designed to meet future demands without wasting resources.

“We are building for flexibility. The goal is to create environments that can easily adapt to technological advancements and emerging needs. It’s about thinking long-term and sustainably from the very beginning,” says Sanna.

Beyond research and testing, the ACE building will be a key center for skills development. It will host training programs and workshops for both professionals and students, focusing on strengthening expertise in electrification, circular industries, and smart cities.

“We want to attract both new and established players to Skellefteå. The ACE building will be a place where we develop technologies and build the necessary skills to implement them,” she says.

Backed by key stakeholders such as Luleå University of Technology, Northvolt, Skellefteå Kraft, and Skellefteå Municipality, the ACE initiative is deeply rooted in the local community while striving for global impact. The building is set to be a base for international collaborations and research that will accelerate the global energy transition.

“We have everything we need to create a place that makes a difference—both locally and globally,” says Sanna.

Image caption: The ACE building will be something truly special, equipped with embedded sensors and designed to accommodate future technological advancements right from the construction phase.