Europe is going circular. So is Vestland. The European Commission adopted the new circular economy action plan (CEAP) in March 2020 as part of the European Green Deal. Within 2035, the EU goal is a 65 percent degree of circularity. City of Bergen is aiming for the same target in 2030.

To achieve the greener future, Vestland county has drawn up a masterplan, Vestlandsporteføljen 2.0. Today, the industries in Vestland fylkeskommune contribute significantly to Norwegian export. However, their activity also creates a large chunk of Norwegian emissions. The project Grøn region Vestland has developed a plan for transforming the region – secure future growth but reduce emissions. 19 strategically defined hubs across the region serve as focal points for green transformation, enabling the establishment of new value chains throughout the county each with the potential to generate 17,000 new jobs, boost exports, and reduce emissions.circular business models play a crucial role in driving change while still securing the production of goods and services we need.

Bold targets, but to achieve Vestland’s plans, companies and communities need to greener future outlined in the Vestlandsporteføljen 2.0, circular business models play a crucial role in advancing sustainability and driving positive change.

Vestland is standing on the shoulders of a lang history in the oil and gas industry as the region now is crucial in developing both CCS and blue hydrogen production. Along with the region’s key infrastructure and facilities, Vestland supplies a highly innovative labour force, comprehensive knowledge bases and a network of collaborative firms.

Regulatory changes and self-imposed regulation are driving the maritime industry to cut emissions. The future will be multi-fuel. Alternative fuels have other properties and risks than conventional fuel and new technology creates new risks. Very few companies can do a transition like this on the own.

The solution:

• New strategic partnerships for all business cases.
• Cooperation throughout the whole value chain. 
• Pilot projects.
• Combine new techology with exciting operations.  
• Commitments to adopt the technology at scale.

The value chain in Vestland offers several possibilities to take part in supplying the future-based solutions. 

The labour force in Vestland is highly skilled, well educated and motivated. Drawing from its immense knowledge base, the region continually produces experts and specialists in many marine, finance, health and tech-driven industries. 

The region is an important hub in a wide range of value chains, such as oil and gas, seafood and aquaculture, finance, media and technology. Several of these industries also have strong ties to local and regional scientific research communities. 

Of those employed in the area, almost 50% hold a degree from a university or college, and the universities and colleges in the region educate an increasing number of people, and the demand for skilled, highly educated labour is growing. 

Along with a high standard of living, Norway offers a good work-life balance, public safety and a clean environment.

• Norway has a high level of political and social stability, consistently ranking among the world’s top countries for resiliency. The economy is strong and diverse as well.
• Norway also ranks high on environmental performance and ease of doing business. Industrial culture is built on trust, cooperation and a flat hierarchy, which yields outstanding efficiency.
• Norway has world-class infrastructure, especially digital infrastructure. The country tops digitalisation rankings in Europe, with nearly 100% Internet and mobile coverage and connectivity. Moreover, Norwegians are early adopters of digital technologies and possess outstanding digital skills.
• In addition, Norway has strong R&D environments and government policies that support its major industries. While not an EU member, Norway is fully integrated into the European single market through the EEA Agreement.