Norrbotten Region embarks on investment in fossil-free industrial transport
Northern Sweden and Norrbotten are facing the largest investments in modern times. To support the development of sustainable industrial transport, the innovation platform CLOSER is being launched in Norrbotten. Region Norrbotten is joining as a partner.
CLOSER will contribute to sustainable and well-functioning transport and logistics systems. Actors from research, business and the public sector will come together to accelerate development and support the transition.
– New transshipment terminals and port logistics, electrification, automation and hydrogen-based e-fuels will need to be tested and introduced on a large scale. We welcome the establishment of CLOSER in Norrbotten and enable us to accelerate the development that is already underway, says Janus Brandin, Regional Development Director, Norrbotten Region.
International affair
Northern Sweden is leading the green transition globally. A sustainable and efficient transport system is not only important for us in the north.
– This establishment is not a regional matter but also a national and international one, says Bo Hallams, Chairman of the Board, CLOSER.
To begin with, CLOSER will bring together the actors behind the investments. Through dialogue, the most important challenges to be solved will be identified. The goal is for CLOSER to result in concrete results through joint efforts. LTU Business will be the host organization in northern Sweden.
– Sustainable steelmaking, ore mining and other industries will ultimately also include exports from northern Sweden to the world. It is important to have a strong investment where public-private collaboration can help accelerate the transition, says Gry Holmgren Hafskjold, CEO of LTU Business.
Facts: CLOSER
CLOSER consists of around 60 partners. It is a collaboration platform, knowledge node and project workshop.
CLOSER's goal is to contribute new solutions to the freight transport system that will support a sustainable society.
CLOSER's main financiers are the Swedish Transport Administration, Vinnova and Region Västra Götaland. CLOSER is operated at Lindholmen Science Park with offices in Gothenburg and Stockholm.