Industrial symbiosis in Härjedalen for circular economy
About this good practice
The project was initiated with the aim of exploring and promoting opportunities for a circular and resource-efficient finances within Härjedalen municipality. The study focused on analysing and developing industrial symbiosis, where residues and energy flows can be optimized and reused to create environmentally and economically sustainable business models. The main focus of the study work has been on Svegs industrial area where a major focus in turn has been on the large surplus heat from the CHP plant that is available at Härjeåns Energi AB in Sveg. The study work began first with a broad perspective to identify opportunities for symbiosis and resource efficiency throughout the municipality.
Activities have been carried out in the local areas of all industry areas in terms of material flows, energy flows, potential actors of the symbiosis and the possibilities of developing a more circular business model. The study project has investigated opportunities and mapped actors for continuous development work for industrial symbioses, resource efficiency and circularity in the municipality. The study work has also come up with a number of proposals of activities and possible ways to facilitate progress in the development work. One of the focus areas of the study has been finding actors who can drive development on a commercial basis. The municipality's commitment is also needed to lead the process until new sustainable business models are in place.
Resources needed
Total funding: 1 383 300 SEK
50% Region Jämtland Härjedalen
40% Europeiska regionala utvecklingsfonden | Mellersta Norrland (ERDF)
10% Härjedalens Municipality
Evidence of success
Potentials
• Existing surplus heat from Härjeån's combined heat and power plant.
• Vacant greenhouse near the CHP plant.
• Strong interest among actors in Härjedalen and external actors to participate in further development.
Challenges
• Majority of material volumes in the local business sector residual flows are too small to be commercially viable.
• Complex legislation for waste management. In the long term also higher requirements regarding sustainability.
Potential for learning or transfer
With 10 158 inhabitants, Härjedalen is one of eight municipalities in the region of Jämtland Härjedalen. The region has 132 000 inhabitants (1,5% of Swedens population) on an area that is about 12% of Sweden. The distances are large, & our industries mainly consisting of SMEs, are scattered across the area. Conducting this study makes the municipality of Härjedalen a forerunner when it comes to sustainable business & trying to find ways to create as much value for their local economy & actors as possible. This study confirms many of our known challenges but also finds possibilities to develop & address. This study provides local & regional actors with valuable data & knowledge on how we can best support this transition into a more circular economy. Many rural areas in the EU may stand before the same challenges & have, if not alike, then similar conditions. Findings in this study may help others in sparsely populated areas wanting to take the first step toward industrial symbiosis.
Further information
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.