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Norrbotten is the EU's leading example

Today, Kadri Simson, the EU Commissioner responsible for energy, visited Luleå. The visit is part of the Commission's work to gain knowledge about the process of change that is taking place in northern Sweden.

A group of people are standing in a line.
From left: Claes Nordmark (S), municipal councilor of Boden Municipality, Kadri Simson, EU Commissioner for Energy, Kenneth Backgård (S), regional councilor, Erik Bergkvist (S), EU parliamentarian, Nils-Olov Lindfors (C), regional councilor, Carina Sammeli (S), municipal councilor of Luleå Municipality, Christian Danielsson, head of the EU Commission's representation in Sweden. Photo: Janus Brandin.

The visit began with a study visit to Hybrit and then the Commissioner met with regional and political representatives. In the afternoon, the visit continued in Skellefteå at the Kvistforsen hydroelectric power station and Northvolt.

There is great interest in northern Sweden in the EU and many high-ranking politicians are attracted to visit us. This is due to the green transition and our major industrial investments. Northern Sweden has gained a new and dynamic position as a hub for the transition towards a sustainable future in a world driven by fossil-free electricity. Battery manufacturing, fossil-free iron and steel and the development of hydrogen technology are some of the ingredients in the development that international analysts describe as the most important and exciting industrial project in Europe right now.

"I am delighted to see with my own eyes the green transition that we have heard so much about. The new technology is an important piece of the puzzle for us to achieve the ambitious climate goals within the EU," says Kadri Simson, EU Commissioner for Energy.

Commissioner Simson's visit testifies to how exciting and significant the green transition in Norrbotten is from a European and global perspective. But there are clouds of concern drifting in from the EU Commission itself.

– It is gratifying to receive a visit from Commissioner Simson and we have today stated that the EU Commission needs to review the Fit for 55 climate package so that both hydropower, wind power and biofuels are classified as sustainable, says Nils-Olov Lindfors (c), regional councilor for the Norrbotten Region.

Please contact us

Please contact Nils-Olov Lindfors, regional councilor (c) if you have any questions.
nils-olov.lindfors@norrbotten.se 
Mobile number: 070-380 00 44