Circular Bio-Economy in Kristinestad
Project Objectives
The “Circular Bioeconomy in Kristinestad” project focuses on developing a sustainable industrial ecosystem where valuable products are made from side streams of various biomass sources. These include waste from agriculture, forestry, livestock, and fisheries. The goal is to efficiently utilise these side streams, maximise the value of biomass, and operate according to the principles of sustainable development.
Key Actions
At the core of the project is the aim to enhance Kristinestad’s appeal as a green and innovative CittaSlow city. This will be achieved through sector integration, industrial symbiosis, and the bio-circular economy. Recycling and refining industrial side streams, such as waste heat and chemicals, as well as regional biomaterials, are central actions.
Benefits and Impact
The project will generate new growth for both existing and new companies in Kristinestad and the surrounding area. This particularly applies to the industrial sector and to agriculture, forestry, livestock, and fisheries. Participating companies will also benefit from insights and resources gathered from previous projects (KristinaEco, CERM, CIT), which will make it easier to identify and develop new business opportunities.
Work Packages and Collaboration
The project is divided into four work packages:
- The first focuses on establishing new businesses in the bio-circular and hydrogen economy and expanding existing ones.
- The second supports the investigation of technical possibilities and assessment of demand for new products.
- The third develops the Triple Helix collaboration model with universities and universities of applied sciences, bringing together the public sector, businesses, and educational institutions.
- The fourth focuses on identifying best practices and technologies, and on establishing a concrete competence center for green hydrogen processing and the bio-circular economy.
Timeline and Future Outlook
The project begins in Q1/2024 and progresses in phases toward the first customer agreements and securing the future by the end of 2025. Through this project, Kristinestad will strengthen its role as a forerunner in sustainable development and the green transition.
Several major international companies focused on green hydrogen processing have already joined the ongoing Industry Park project (funded by AKKE), and negotiations with new candidates are underway.
The KristinaEco project (also AKKE-funded) previously identified material flows that can be utilised in, for example, hydrogen industry value chains. This project responds to that demand by developing expertise in the bio-circular and hydrogen economy. The focus will be on industrial symbiosis and the bio-circular economy – that is, on recycling and refining industrial side streams such as waste heat and chemicals, as well as regional biomaterials.
This strengthens Kristinestad’s appeal as a knowledgeable city focused on the green transition, while also offering new growth for both existing and new companies.
Project Info
Project duration: 1.1.2024 – 31.12.2025
Funder: Regional Council of Ostrobothnia
Budget: 499 226 €
Main implementer: Business Kristinestad
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