The Jakobstad region is built for circular economy
Known for its close-knit cooperation network, the Jakobstad region offers an ideal business environment for companies specialising in circular economy solutions and renewable energy. All of the region’s values – responsibility, quality, and long-term thinking – highlight the importance of cooperation, which enables the efficient utilisation and distribution of resources.
“These resources do not only include materials, but also personnel and know-how. This is the best place for circular economy companies to operate”, says Tomas Knuts, Circular Economy Expert at Jakobstad Region Development Company Concordia.
In the largest industrial park in Jakobstad, Alholmen Industrial Park (AIP), 10 manufacturing companies and over 50 service companies form a close cooperation ecosystem and utilise each others’ by-products, services, and know-how.
“Circular economy is part of our way of working. For example, Jeppo Biogas receives resources for biogas production from both the local farmers and the local food industry in the Jakobstad region. The biogas produced at Jeppo Biogas is an energy source for some of the region’s largest companies, such as Snellman and Mirka” states Knuts.
At Jeppo Biogas’ production plant, green carbon dioxide is born as a by-product of biogas production. In the future, this CO2 can be captured, generating new business opportunities in the Jakobstad region.
“CO2 can be used for the local production of chemicals, such as formic acid, for industrial use. In addition, there is a high demand for synthetic methane (LSNG), which also needs CO2. LSNG is utilised in the production of synthetic, green fuels for heavy transport”, explains Mika Hakosalo, Jakobstad City Development Director.
However, LSNG production requires not only CO2, but also hydrogen, which in turn requires a lot of electricity and water. The large-scale offshore wind farm that is planned to be built near Jakobstad opens an excellent opportunity for hydrogen production.
“The wind farm will consist of 150 turbines, which will produce a massive amount of energy. Our goal is that in 2030, when the farm is estimated to be completed, there will already be facilities for carbon capture and LSNG production in Jakobstad. There is also a possibility that the hydrogen plant will be built in the city”, Hakosalo states.
“As we head towards these modern LSNG and hydrogen production methods as well as carbon capture, cooperation will only increase in our region”, he continues.
As a region that invests in new circular economy solutions and utilisation of renewable energy, the Jakobstad region offers companies great investment opportunities and an advantageous environment to establish a business in. The businesses in the region established a sustainability forum in 2022.
This is the best place for circular economy companies to operate
“There, businesses can discuss, network, share their best practices, experiences, and ideas as well as help each other develop the region”, says Knuts.
Cooperation plays a key role in the development of an attractive and sustainable region. Together with the local regional development companies in Vaasa, Kristinestad, and Närpes, the Jakobstad region took part in the CERM project, Circular Economy Roadmap and Action Plan for Ostrobothnia Region, in 2019–2021.
The main outcome of the CERM project was a roadmap for sustainable development and circular economy. In 2021, a new project called CIT, Circular Insight and Transition, began.
“We are helping local companies develop their circular economy thinking and operations on their journey towards carbon neutrality”, says Knuts, one of the Project Managers in the CIT project.
Are you interested in developing your circular economy and sustainability know-how or do you want to establish your company in the Jakobstad Region? Get in touch!
