Green Hub Denmark steers decarbonisation by facilitating collaboration and partnership building between public and private energy stakeholders of the region.
Denmark has set an ambitious goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 70% in 2030 and 100% in 2050. In order to reach that goal, research in and development of innovative green technologies and business models are needed – as well as systematised and well-functioning means of testing new ideas and collecting data.
Aalborg Municipality initiated the creation of Green Hub Denmark by gathering all the major energy stakeholders in the region into a single point of contact collaboration platform - so far consisting of 75 stakeholders representing a quadruple helix approach.
Via this platform, Green Hub Denmark is connecting private businesses, consumers, academic researchers, the utility sector and public authorities in order for them to co-create solutions for green growth and green societal transition through the development, testing, and application of sustainable technologies.
The untraditional public-private partnership focuses on green innovation, sustainable business models and large-scale testing in order to mitigate climate challenges, while simultaneously attracting further green investment and creating green jobs.
A collaboration example: a challenge for the region is to substitute coal at the local power plant with renewables. Through Green Hub Denmark, Aalborg Utilities offer plug and play mechanisms at a large-scale physical test site next to the power plant for national and international companies as well as innovative solutions from Aalborg University.
Resources needed
Green Hub Denmark is funded on a three-year grant of 480,000 EUR. The grant covers expenses for personnel, salaries for the chairman of the professional board, collaboration meetings, communication and back-office staff. Green Hub Denmark is established as a foundation to enable wider engagement.
Evidence of success
Through its network, Green Hub Denmark has attracted interest of more than 500 stakeholders within the first nine months of existence. On top of the initial investments in green transition, guaranteed by the partners behind the collaboration platform, Green Hub Denmark has attracted around 100 million EUR in funding for green projects in the region.
Potential for learning or transfer
All European countries face EU's 2030 target of 55 % reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The creation of Green Hub Denmark can work as an inspiration for other regions or cities to facilitate a quadruple helix collaboration platform that can help eliminate barriers and shorten the distance between potential collaboration partners.
Tags: Business, Citizens, City, Climate change, Cooperation, Economy, Efficiency, Emissions, Energy, Environment, Growth, Industry, Infrastructure, Innovation, Jobs, Low-carbon, Networks, Private sector, Renewables, SME, Transition
