For about 25 years, the Nordic region has successfully developed a common electricity market, where hydropower, nuclear power and wind power are the most important factors. Electricity produced in the Nordic region is almost already completely decarbonised (87 percent are considered "carbon-free") – 63 percent comes from renewable sources.   

"Nordic solutions are the right way to go. I can only encourage you to continue with what you are doing and set an example," EU Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson told Nordic Council members at an online event on Tuesday, March 2.  

At present, almost a third of all electricity consumed in the EU comes from renewable energy sources. But it is estimated that renewables will produce close to 60% of electricity by 2030, and more than 80% by 2050 to meet the bloc's climate targets - where the North Sea has significant potential for offshore wind farms and other emerging technologies, such as energy islands or wave and tidal energy technologies.   

"Renewable energy improves people's well-being, and overall welfare, well above GDP," said one member of the Swedish parliament. The Nordic region can become an electricity exporter, acting as a backup to increase the share of renewable energy in other European countries. 

Through its rich natural resources, northern Sweden has great opportunities to contribute to the green transition, not least through the region's great supply of renewable energy sources such as wind, hydropower, and bioenergy. 

/Andreas Stenlund