Sweden, Green Country of the Month: Sweden’s eco innovators

In Sweden last November, there was a breakthrough in sodium-ion battery technology, the start of a flying ferry service, and an esteemed award win for climate innovation.

Potential reduction of reliance on lithium through sodium-ion batteries

The Swedish company Northvolt announced a major advancement in its sodium-ion battery development. The company stated its battery is a cheaper and more sustainable alternative to store electricity – without using lithium, nickel, graphite, and cobalt like most other batteries. 

As global warming progresses, there is an urgent need to turn to renewable energy sources like wind and solar. However, renewable energy sources are not very stable as other sources meaning batteries are required to store this electricity for later consumption. 

The EU, to achieve climate neutrality, will require 18 times more lithium than it currently consumes by 2030 and nearly 60 times more by 2050. 

Potential reduction of traffic in Stockholm through ‘flying’ electric ferry 

A high-tech electric ferry was presented by Swedish developers. The vessel is created to carry 30 passengers at a maximum speed of 56 km/h, which is markedly faster than other electric passenger ferries. This is achieved by this ferry with carbon fiber hydrofoil wings that elevate the boat out of the water, decreasing drag. 

Not only does this cut emissions, it slashes transportation times that a trip between the Stockholm suburb of Ekero and the city center will be cut from 55 minutes to 25 minutes. 

The boat is expected to begin service in July this year. 

Green methanol company wins top prize 

Liquid Wind, the winners of this prize, the E-Prize, which is Sweden’s most prestigious energy innovation awards, presented a leading e-fuel developer, seizing the prize for Renewable Energy. 

The company aims to decrease the shipping industry’s dependence on fossil fuels with its ‘green’ methanol, which is converted from green hydrogen and CO2 from biomass power plants. 

https://www.euronews.com/green/2023/11/30/green-country-of-the-month-how-swedens-eco-innovators-are-making-up-for-government-setback 

Smith, I., & Symons, A. (2023). Sweden is our green country of the month - here’s why. euronews. https://www.euronews.com/green/2023/11/30/green-country-of-the-month-how-swedens-eco-innovators-are-making-up-for-government-setback

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Vacations, I. (2023, June 1). How Sweden became one of the world’s most sustainable countries. Insight Vacations. https://www.insightvacations.com/blog/sweden-worlds-most-sustainable-countries/