Navigating the Green Transition: An analysis of EU policy trajectories and their implications for Gothenburg’s industrial future

Abstract

Gothenburg is an industrial city with a multitude of industries, some of which are heavily dependent on fossil fuels. With the European Union (EU) signalling a phase out of fossil fuels, there is a need to expand net-zero-emission energy sources. For Gothenburg to transition, there is a need for reliable net-zero-emission energy. From the EU, there is a push to deploy net-zero technologies (NZTs), which are differ ent technologies with the purpose of phasing out fossil fuels or mitigating emissions. Hence, the aim of this study is to propose policy recommendations based on leverage points for Gothenburg’s transition towards a net-zero energy sector, in alignment with the Green Deal Industrial Plan. To achieve this, the following research ques tions have been established: 1. What are the policy signals from the EU conveyed in the Green Deal Industry Plan (GDIP) and Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA), on how to implement NZTs? 2. What enablers and barriers influence the effective implementation of NZTs in Gothenburg, considering industrial, infrastructural and geographical condi tions? 3. Which NZTs are most viable in a Gothenburg context? The analysis of policy signals showed that the EU frameworks focus on implement ing NZTs overall, without favouring any specific technologies. Based on the analysis of the Gothenburg conditions, the city is viable for solar power, wind power, biofuels and batteries. Based on the findings in this report, we propose the following policy recommendations for the city: (a) Address permitting times and work to improve the permitting process to ac celerate the deployment rate of NTZs. (b) Sustainability requirements for public procurement. (c) Utilise the high density of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) personnel in the population. (d) Keep producing biofuels for city-owned companies and support the transition to biofuels at the refineries. (e) Facilitate collaboration within the industry. (f) Technologies to invest in: Solar and wind power, biofuels, and batteries. Ex plore the feasibility of e-fuels further. This thesis has identified multiple areas of further research, for example, broadening the scope of policies and technologies. By increasing the scope, it is possible to better understand the energy system and the future of NZTs in Gothenburg.