Nocturne | Market opportunities in the Nordics for the Energy Transition

The Nordics offer more than just raw materials—they provide a holistic energy transition ecosystem that Belgian manufacturing companies can tap into for a sustainable, resilient future. For Belgian manufacturers dedicated to clean, sustainable energy solutions, keeping an eye on the Nordics could be the key to a successful green future.

• The Nordic bedrock is crucial for the green transition because it holds vast reserves of critical raw materials essential for renewable energy technologies, comparable to those found in the most mineral-rich areas globally, such as Canada, the USA, Brazil, and Australia. These materials, vital for wind turbines, hydrogen, electric vehicles, and battery storage, are necessary to meet the increasing demand driven by the transition to clean energy. 
• With established mining expertise and advanced technology, the Nordic region has the potential to unlock these resources sustainably, ensuring reliable, ethically sourced, and environmentally friendly supplies for Europe and beyond. It’s time for Belgian energy suppliers to look north and explore the prospects of partnering with a region that is not only resource-rich but committed to leading the way in sustainable, green industrial development.
• Furthermore, the Nordic countries’ focus on building a connected DC grid, offers a pathway to stronger energy integration across Europe. As Belgium invests in upgrading its own DC grid, partnerships with the Nordics could facilitate smoother, greener energy flows between the two regions, supporting Belgium’s energy transition efforts.

For whom?

This event will gather key market players, policymakers, embassies, and experts to facilitate partnerships and create new market opportunities.

Why the Nordics?

1. The Nordic Battery Belt is a developing hub across the Nordic countries focusing on battery production, infrastructure, and logistics to support the green energy transition. It involves significant investments and projects from key players like Northvolt and Johnson Matthey, creating an ecosystem similar to Silicon Valley but for battery technology.
2. Critical raw materials: Nordic minerals like rare earth elements, cobalt, and lithium are crucial for renewable energy systems, offering Belgian suppliers a secure source of essential materials.
3. Wind energy potential: The Nordics have excellent wind conditions, supporting renewable energy harvesting.
4. Data center growth: abundant green electricity and favorable climate conditions are attracting hyperscale data centers (Google, Meta, Amazon), with demand expected to rise.
5. Green steel production: hydrogen is increasingly used as a fuel for producing green steel.
6. Supply Chain Security: developing Nordic resources reduces the EU's dependency on global imports, enhancing supply chain stability for European energy projects.
7. Alignment with EU Goals: sustainable mining in the Nordics supports EU self-sufficiency and aligns with green energy values, promoting environmental and energy independence.
8. What can Belgium’s role be in the upgrade of the DC grid? As a result of all these industry trends, it’s now time to upgrade the DC grid. That also rises the question: ‘How are we getting the energy flows from the Nordics to Belgium?’

Programme

This programme is part of Industriepartnershap in which 13 Flemish innovation partners offer an integrated service to stimulate growth and innovation in the Flemish industry in the 6 following themes: AI, Circular economy, Digitisation, Industry 4.0 and Climate & Energy. They do so under the leadership of Agoria and Sirris and with the support of Agentschap Innoveren & Ondernemen. 

©Sirris