Luleå University of Technology Leading the Way Towards the Sustainable Industrial Clusters of the Future

Luleå University of Technology has received funding to enhance knowledge about how resource- and energy-efficient industrial clusters can be developed in Northern Sweden. The focus is on identifying innovative synergies between industries and society – a key to addressing both climate goals and global uncertainty.

Together with the research institute Swerim, Luleå University of Technology is leading a new project that aims to pave the way for the sustainable industrial clusters of the future. Funded by the Swedish Energy Agency, the project seeks to develop innovative solutions for connecting industries and societal systems in Northern Sweden. The goal is to increase resource and energy efficiency through industrial symbiosis, where byproducts and surplus energy from one operation become raw materials or resources for another.

"This project provides unique opportunities to create resource-efficient industrial clusters from the ground up, based on collaboration, circularity, and innovation," says Joakim Lundgren, Professor of Energy Engineering at Luleå University of Technology.

Building a Sustainable Future

The project is rooted in the significant industrial investments currently underway in the region. Cities such as Luleå, Piteå, Boden, and Gällivare are undergoing major transformations, driven by new technologies like fossil-free steel production, large-scale hydrogen production, and the recycling of rare earth metals. Collaboration between stakeholders plays a crucial role here, with industrial symbiosis serving as a key element.

"We see great potential in utilizing the new energy and material flows in the region, from surplus heat to byproducts that can be repurposed in innovative ways. This not only generates environmental benefits but also creates new business opportunities and strengthens the competitiveness of the region’s industries and companies," Joakim Lundgren explains.

Joakim Lundgren, Professor of Energy Engineering at Luleå University of Technology.

Global Uncertainty Highlights the Need for Local Resilience

The project is driven not only by climate goals but also by global crises. Geopolitical conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine and unrest in the Middle East, have underscored the importance of securing energy and material supplies.

"Northern Sweden has a chance to show the world how industrial transformation can enhance supply security. We can create a robust system that is not only efficient but also resilient to global disruptions," Joakim Lundgren emphasizes.

A Global Role Model

The hope is that the project’s outcomes will not only benefit the region but also serve as a model for other industrial clusters around the world. By creating innovative links between various stakeholders, the project aims to contribute to both resource efficiency and long-term sustainability.

"Our goal is to demonstrate that it’s possible to combine greater environmental responsibility with growth and competitiveness. Northern Sweden can become a global role model for how industrial transformation can be pursued in a smart and sustainable way," Joakim Lundgren concludes.

• Energy Engineering