PowerPlay: Complementarity Formation and Trade-offs in the Nordic Battery Value Chain

PowerPlay aims to provide a comprehensive examination on the extent to which complementarities are formed in the Nordic battery ecosystem (Norway, Finland, and Sweden) given that this sector is the recipient of substantial public investment. In addition, PowerPlay also aims to investigate the local impacts of battery activities in 3 Norwegian regions in aspects of society, economy and nature. 

The ultimate goal is to provide evidence-based policy recommendations to policymakers at three levels: First, it aims to facilitate faster and fairer just transition at the local level by critically assessing the social, natural, climate and economic implications of battery related activities in Norwegian regions. Secondly, on the national level, insights will be provided on how to balance the trade-offs of industrial development against all kinds of environmental and social concerns. Finally, PowerPlay aspires to suggest strategies for developing a resilient and sustainable Nordic battery value chain, with a particular focus on supporting the Norwegian government and stakeholders in creating policy frameworks that optimize the benefits related to the co-construction of a Nordic battery ecosystem while minimizing societal and environmental costs during the transition. 

This interdisciplinary project leverages the expertise of academics from diverse fields, including human geography, sustainability transitions, political science, environmental economics and law. We will investigate crucial topics such as policy and politics, skill and competence analyses, societal impacts and natural consequences and resource use and legal procedures relate to the booming battery activities in Norway and beyond. By doing so, PowerPlay aims to make a pivotal contribution to our understanding of the global race for green technologies and Norway's role within it.