Representatives from the energy and chemical industries in Sweden are expressing concern that the country may be lagging in the global race towards a climate-neutral economy. In an opinion piece published by nyteknik.se on May 23, 2023, they discuss how Sweden perceives itself as a leader in the global climate transition but has in reality been surpassed by other nations. They argue that major investments in electrofuels, a type of renewable energy, might end up being developed abroad unless Sweden takes decisive action.
The authors call for an aggressive climate and economic policy that includes more renewable power production, sufficient electrical grid capacity, and a competitive investment environment for green technologies like hydrogen. They highlight the enormous potential of electrofuels in replacing fossil fuels in industries and transportation. These fuels are produced using renewable energy converted into green hydrogen and combined with captured green carbon dioxide in large-scale chemical processes. The end product, a liquid fuel, can be used domestically or exported within the EU.
Moreover, they discuss specific projects like Skyborn and Lhyfe’s facility outside Söderhamn—SoutH2port, which showcases the ability to harness wind energy from projects like the Storgrundet offshore wind farm to produce green hydrogen.
However, they caution that the slow pace of connecting new renewable power sources to the grid, as in the case of the Storgrundet wind farm, could force the establishment of electrofuel production to shift to other countries. They urge for a comprehensive strategy that includes speeding up grid construction, setting ambitious national targets for green hydrogen production, and providing financial support tailored to the needs of hydrogen production.
These industry leaders argue for a clear and long-term political commitment to making Sweden a pioneer in the hydrogen and electrofuel sectors, emphasizing the need to seize the significant potential for reducing carbon emissions and creating a sustainable future.
Source article:
https://www.nyteknik.se/debatt/sverige-maste-satsa-pa-vindkraft-och-vatgas-riskerar-ga-miste-om-nya-industrier/4262584
