A delegation from the province, municipality of Groningen, knowledge institutions and companies traveled to Sweden on 15 May for a so-called innovation mission, after which Finland was also visited. The purpose of the trip to both countries is to share knowledge, gain inspiration and explore cooperation on the themes of energy, sustainable mobility, education and innovation. The journey lasted until May 21. On behalf of the province, the deputies Fleur Gräper-van Koolwijk and Melissa van Hoorn participated in the mission.
Sweden
The delegation of almost 50 people departed on 15 May from Groningen Airport Eelde to Gothenburg, Sweden. Deputy Gräper gave an explanation of the Groningen vision and approach on sustainable mobility, after which a visit was made to the port and a Volvo factory. In Stockholm the delegation visited various energy projects and Deputy Van Hoorn gave a presentation at the Dutch embassy about the role of hydrogen in our future energy system. In northern Sweden, a visit was planned to Hybrit, a green steel factory, and the technical university of Lulea.
Finland
From Thursday 19 May, the delegation visited Finland. In Vaasa, a visit was made to the central Finnish energy hub, where various companies (including Wärtsilä) were visited. The theme of the visit was hydrogen, large battery factories, energy storage and electric flying. The delegation was also informed about specific programs in which employers help their employees to acquire the right competences in order to realize their ambitions in the field of energy. In Helsinki, among other things, a visit was made to the university and the Dutch embassy.
Two innovation missions
The innovation mission is organized by the province and municipality of Groningen and is the first of two to take place. An innovation mission to Norway and Denmark is planned at the end of October. The Scandinavian countries are far in their knowledge and experience when it comes to energy, hydrogen and sustainable mobility. Themes that the province of Groningen wants to work on in the coming years. With both missions the organization hopes to build networks that are interesting for Groningen in addition to knowledge exchange.
Participants
In addition to the province and municipality of Groningen, the University of Groningen, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, New Energy Coalition, Groningen Seaports, Groningen Airport Eelde, Northern Development Agency (NOM), Economic Board Groningen, Gasunie, Enexis, Holthausen, OV- bureau Groningen Drenthe and Qbuzz were also represented during the trip.
