Search

Green circular industry & manufacturing

Dalarna is a strategically positioned Nordic hub for green and circular manufacturing, combining abundant renewable energy, strong grid capacity and mature industrial infrastructure. The region offers capital-efficient investment opportunities across the forest-based bioeconomy, mining, fossil-free steel, sustainable data centers and advanced manufacturing — all within a stable, export-oriented industrial ecosystem.

With centuries of expertise in forestry, mining, steel and energy technology, Dalarna benefits from deep process know-how, resilient supplier networks and a strong export-driven industrial culture. Integrated value chains connect raw materials to high-value manufacturing and digital infrastructure, while abundant low-carbon electricity enables electrified production at scale.

Industrial scale and leading actors

Dalarna hosts both globally established industrial companies and emerging players:

  • Forest-based bioeconomy: Stora Enso, Arctic Paper, Mayr Melnhof Holz, Fiskarheden.
  • Mining and metals: Boliden Garpenberg, one of the world’s most productive underground zinc mines, Nordic Iron, SSAB, Ovako, Outokumpu.
  • Digital infrastructure: EcoDataCenter, with multi-billion SEK investments and secured land for global hyperscalers.

This mix of established industrial leaders and innovative newcomers demonstrates both scale and versatility, creating an ecosystem capable of supporting large, capital-intensive projects while fostering innovation and diversification.

Innovation, circularity and competitiveness

Future competitiveness is driven by digitalisation, electrification and circular business models. Innovation platforms such as Sustainable Steel Region and Dalarna Science Park support the commercialisation of new technologies, process optimisation and scale-up of sustainable solutions. Predictable permitting, strong public-private collaboration and coordinated regional strategies provide a low-risk investment environment.

Circular solutions in production, including resource-efficient steelmaking, biomass valorisation, waste heat recovery and industrial symbiosis, increase resilience while reducing climate impact. These practices, combined with advanced reseach and devemlopment and a skilled industrial workforce, position Dalarna as a hub for low-carbon, high-value manufacturing in Northern Europe.

Strategic positioning and future growth

Dalarna’s combination of energy resources, industrial heritage, innovation capacity and export-oriented culture makes the region uniquely suited for investments in the green industrial transition. Ongoing expansions in green steel, sustainable data centers and forest-based manufacturing, alongside strong collaboration between industry, academia and public actors, strengthen Dalarna’s potential to deliver scalable, competitive and circular industrial solutions with global reach.