Kvarken Project Gains International and National Recognition for Cross-Border Energy Collaboration
The Kvarken region is drawing both national and international attention for its innovative approach to cross-border energy solutions. The Bothnia Green Energy project, connecting cities, regions, and energy companies across Sweden and Finland, has shown how cross-border collaboration can deliver practical, sustainable results and serve as a model for other regions pursuing the green transition.
Sofia Törmä recently represented Bothnia Green Energy at the Nordic Solutions for the Green Transition in Romania in Bucharest. Invited by the Swedish Embassy in Romania, she shared the Kvarken model of cross-border collaboration with Nordic ambassadors, the Romanian Minister of Energy, and senior managers from leading energy companies. During her presentation, Sofia highlighted practical solutions developed in the region.
“Here in the Kvarken region, we often take the type of collaboration we have for granted, but it is clearly seen as a model for others,” Sofia reflected.
This international recognition reflects the achievements presented at the Bothnia Green Energy final conference in Örnsköldsvik. Over three years, the project has brought together six cities, four regions, and six energy companies across Sweden and Finland, fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and practical solutions throughout the Kvarken region.
The project’s approach has also attracted political attention for its ability to build trust and long-term cooperation across borders. In a video greeting at the conference, Joakim Strand, Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering of Finland, emphasized the broader significance of this cross-border work:
“This collaboration is not only about technology or infrastructure. It is also about trust, shared values, and the willingness to learn from each other.”
Trust and collaboration ran throughout the conference, with participants sharing experiences, exchanging insights, and exploring practical initiatives together.
Practical Solutions and Knowledge Sharing
Conference participants explored initiatives with tangible impact. A study on Direct Current (DC) networks in industrial and commercial settings provided insights into efficiency gains and potential cost reductions. Job-shadowing programs between Övik Energi and Finnish partner Herrfors allowed employees to gain hands-on experience and share best practices, demonstrating the human dimension of cross-border collaboration.
In buildings and real estate, matchmaking sessions connected startups and SMEs with property owners, resulting in around 70 meetings focused on energy-efficient solutions. Webinars on excess heat solutions showed how low-grade heat can be utilized in greenhouses and urban districts, illustrating both environmental and economic potential.
Driving Innovation through Collaboration
Panel discussions highlighted the importance of openness and dialogue.
“Collaboration is key for making everything happen,” said Ulrica Johansson, Business Developer at Liquid Wind.
The Energy Working Committee, established during the project, now provides a platform for continued cooperation among Swedish and Finnish energy companies, regions, academia, and municipalities. Peter Hedman, Project Manager, reflected on the project’s lasting impact:
“The Energy Committee ensures that the momentum generated by Bothnia Green Energy continues. We are proud to have strengthened cooperation in the Kvarken energy sector.”
Looking Ahead
Bothnia Green Energy has proven that cross-border collaboration can deliver real solutions. Sofia’s presentation in Bucharest shows that the Kvarken region’s approach—based on trust, knowledge sharing, and joint problem-solving—has relevance far beyond Sweden and Finland. Building on this momentum, the region is ready to continue developing a sustainable and innovative energy future.
Click here to read more about the project Bothnia Green Energy!
Caption: The final conference of Bothnia Green Energy took place in Örnsköldsvik.