The Future is Still Electric

If we were to distil the very essence of SE26 into a compact and high-tech stock cube, it would take shape at the Arctic Center of Energy (ACE). With its focus on societal transformation and cutting-edge energy solutions, ACE is a physical manifestation of SE26 – a place where stakeholders from various sectors come together to jointly build the electrified society of the future.

ACE represents an ambition to lead the world in sustainable technology and the electrification of society. As the green transition climbs higher on the agenda, the interests of the public sector are increasingly aligning with those of the private sector. Both are working towards the same long-term challenges, inviting opportunities to combine their efforts in achieving a shared goal.

– "Skellefteå has unique conditions to lead the energy transition, and through ACE, we are creating a global platform and arena for research collaborations where academia and industry meet to develop solutions together. At the same time, ACE offers vital laboratories and training environments that are crucial to meeting the skills demands of the energy transition, ensuring we have the expertise required to succeed in the shift to sustainable energy solutions," says Sanna Orellano, process leader at ACE.

Bringing research, education, and industry together under one roof is seen as the key to pioneering solutions. Partners such as Luleå University of Technology, Northvolt, Skellefteå Kraft, and the Municipality of Skellefteå will collaborate through ACE to build the expertise and infrastructure needed for the electrified society of the future.

From Theory to Practice: New Technologies in Action

"By housing everything from research projects and pilot plants to educational environments under one roof, we are creating a context that is truly unique," Sanna explains.

The ACE project portfolio is already extensive. For instance, they are in the early stages of testing vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, where electric vehicles act as energy storage units that feed electricity back into the grid. Another example involves energy communities in rural areas, where small villages can create their own energy systems. Additionally, plans are underway for an advanced direct current (DC) lab in the new building, aimed at exploring the potential of DC-based charging for both vehicles and homes. This reduces energy losses and increases efficiency.

– "The electricity system is on the brink of a structural transformation, with a significant rise in distributed energy resources (DER), such as electric vehicles, solar panels, and energy storage. New solutions are required to integrate these technologies into the existing grid and energy system. We can already see how future energy systems will reshape the way we produce, store, and use energy. Technologies like V2G enable new business models, making it increasingly common for private individuals to become electricity producers. At ACE, we will have entirely new opportunities to test these ideas in real-world settings and take them from theory to practice," Sanna notes.

A Hub for Ideas and People

The building, centrally located on the campus, will span seven storeys and include office spaces, laboratories, and educational facilities. It will serve as a meeting place for businesses, researchers, and students.

-"It will be a platform for education and research, where we build bridges between vocational training, adult education, and academia. The building will foster an environment where students interact with potential employers on a daily basis," Sanna explains.

The ACE building also draws inspiration from Skellefteå's past and present. It incorporates reused materials and will house a partially visible time capsule.

"The time capsule is meant as a message to future generations. We want the building and its location to represent not only our present but also our visions and ambitions for the future," Sanna reflects.

The time capsule includes contributions from children to researchers, symbolising the sustainable and innovative Skellefteå we are building together.

Competence Development Driving the Transition

Contributing to regional skills development while attracting new talent is a central ambition. For Skellefteå and the entire region, this represents an opportunity to create jobs and strengthen its position as a leader in the energy transition. The centre will offer opportunities for career shifts and further education for those already in the workforce. Simultaneously, it will attract new students and researchers from around the world, forming a global competence hub in Skellefteå.

ACE is a step into the future – a future where Skellefteå not only solidifies its position as a leader in the energy transition but also becomes a pioneer in creating a society ready to meet the challenges of this transformation.

FACTS - Environmental Certifications.
The ACE building holds two environmental certifications: Miljöbyggnad Gold and NollCO2, ensuring sustainability and low climate impact.

• Miljöbyggnad Gold: Assesses a building's environmental performance, certified by the Sweden Green Building Council.
• NollCO2: Requires a building's climate impact to be documented and offset to net zero through emission reductions and climate measures.