Skellefteå takes the lead in the green transition

Skellefteå is today one of Sweden's most expansive places. The arrows for immigration, investments and construction are pointing upwards. Social investments are now estimated to amount to more than SEK 80 billion by 2030.

The transformation is very tangible and all parts of society are gearing up.

- Many are investing in order to continue to grow, both in industry and in the service and public sectors," says Kristina Sundin Jonsson, Director of Skellefteå Municipality.

An analysis of developments in the municipality shows that 14 000 new jobs can be created by 2030. The single largest contribution is made by the battery manufacturer Northvolt, which will have up to 5 000 employees when the factory, seven kilometers from Skellefteå's city center, is fully operational.

But it doesn't stop there. Another 2000 jobs are expected to be created in Skellefteå's historically strong mining, forestry and energy industries, with Norra Skog, Boliden and Skellefteå Kraft as some of the leading players.

Many contribute

Industrial development is also driving development in other sectors, with up to 7,000 jobs expected to be created by 2030.

Skellefteå is a strong entrepreneurial region that has created the conditions for many successful companies. It is gratifying to see that authorities such as the Authority for Family Law and Parental Support (MFOF) and the Swedish Public Employment Service's new office are also located and growing in Skellefteå.

- This provides a breadth that is needed. Many people who move here do so with a partner and today we can offer a much greater variety of services than just five years ago," explains Kristina.

Green transition

There will be plenty of interesting jobs in the green transition. Many initiatives, regardless of industry, are linked to one of the sustainable perspectives. For example, there is a unique investment in electric aviation and now the construction of the Arctic Center of Energy (ACE) is starting, which is a powerful investment at Campus Skellefteå with a focus on research and development linked to green energy.

- A green transition is underway in northern Sweden, and if you look at industrialization, it becomes clear. The availability of renewable energy and the high level of industrial expertise is the reason why the investments are made here," says Lorents Burman, municipal councillor in Skellefteå.

In the real estate industry, sustainability is also at the center of the development because the conviction is that people who dedicate their careers to working with sustainable solutions will also demand a high degree of sustainability in both housing choices and lifestyle. Here, Skellefteå has an attractive overall offer.

Strong faith in the future

The growth of the whole place is just as tangible as that of the business community. Among other things, major projects such as the construction of the Norrbotten Railway and the 20-storey Sara Cultural Center, made entirely of wood, have attracted a lot of attention. The latter has attracted visitors from all over the world and contributed to Skellefteå being named one of the world's 50 best places by Time Magazine.

- What happens in Skellefteå creates pride among residents and companies. Skellefteå is growing, it goes fast and of course it involves challenges, but above all it gives a huge, cooperative spirit, creativity and faith in the future, says Kristina Sundin Jonsson.

Highlights

• 800 homes built in 2022

• One of the world's best places according to TIME Magazine

• Named Europe's most accessible city

• The largest population increase in 50 years with 1009 people in 2022

• 70% of the municipality's residents recommend others to move to Skellefteå. The corresponding figure at the national level is 63%.

• Arctic Center of Energy, ACE: A world-leading competence center for society's sustainable energy transition is currently taking shape.

• The world's first pilot training program for electric aviation - with a vision of becoming the most
  climate-smart training program.

• Planning for Expo 2026