Green

connections 2024

Renewable Energy Innovations

November 14th, 07.30am - 11.30am PST

Green connections

Green Connections is the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce in San Diego’s annual Cleantech conference and flagship event. It takes place every fall with the aim of creating sustainable relations between the Nordics and California. Green Connections invites visionaries, experts, motivators, practitioners, exhibitors and decision-makers from different regions to share and exchange knowledge, ideas, and technologies. Companies who want to learn from others or are looking to establish in California or the Nordics, will also find great benefits in attending Green Connections.

  • This year's Green Connections will take place on November 14th from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM PST. The event will take place online, so you can join us from anywhere around the world.

  • Registration for the event Green Connections 2024 is now open. Click here to sign up!

  • How fun! We’d love to discuss sponsorship opportunities with you. Please view our sponsor pamphlet here for more information.

  • The event is cost free, so make sure to register here!

Green connections program 2024!

Henrik Bergfeldt

 Keynote speaker 

Henrik Bergfeldt is a seasoned government affairs and diplomacy expert specializing in AI transformation and technology policy. Currently based in Silicon Valley, Henrik is deeply engaged in the intersection of transatlantic relations, trade, digitalization, and European affairs. His work often takes him to Washington, DC, and Europe, where he leverages over a decade of experience with the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs and EU institutions to bridge insights between the U.S. and European political landscapes.

Henrik holds dual Master’s degrees in Political Science and Public Administration, which underpin his analytical, strategic, and leadership skills. His extensive background includes navigating complex political environments, building local strategies, and influencing policy development. With a robust network of policymakers and industry leaders, Henrik is a highly respected advisor who is dedicated to advancing understanding and responsible governance of AI and other transformative technologies.

Michael McDowell

 Keynote speaker 

We are thrilled to announce Michael McDowell, Senior Program Manager for the STEP CO2 Demonstration Program at GTI Energy, as a keynote speaker at Green Connections 2024!

Michael  and his team have recently demonstrated a groundbreaking achievement with the world’s largest supercritical CO2 power plant. This innovative technology has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of zero- or low-emission power plants. Their work in 2024 included extensive testing, successfully achieving turbine full speed, full temperature, and full power operation. The next phase of the project, set for 2025, promises even greater advancements with the Recompression Brayton Cycle (RCBC) configuration. Join us to learn more about this game changing technology and how it could pave the way for a more sustainable energy future!

kasper mouth-poulsen

Keynote speaker Keynote

Since the beginning of civilization, humanity has built houses to sustain comfortable living conditions throughout the seasons. In our modern society, about 50% of the total energy consumption is used for heating and cooling. Growing demands for thermal management in many different sectors, from electronics to housing, inevitably mean increased energy consumption. The primary source of heat is coming from the combustion of fossil, bio or waste-based feedstocks, all contributing to carbon emissions.

In his presentation Kasper will present how he and his team are working on developing molecular materials that capture, store, and release both solar and ambient heat without creating any emissions. These molecular solar thermal systems (MOST) are based on molecular photoswitches that absorb light and convert it into stored chemical energy that can be released on demand.The MOST energy system operates through different principles than traditional solar thermal and can be introduced into compact energy capture and release devices.  Additionally, he will introduce materials concepts for photon upconversion (TTA-UC) and associated accelerated discovery devices.

Markku Ylönen

‘Keynte speaker Keyote

Polar Night Energy is a Finnish start-up, thriving to reduce fossil fuel combustion through sand batteries that enable ambitious up-scaling of solar and wind power. Polar Night Energy was founded 2018 by Tommi Eronen and Markku Ylönen, and currently boasts a team of 18 professionals. The company has developed a world leading thermal energy storage solution to provide heat for industries and district heating networks. The technology is based on heating up a solid medium such as sand to temperatures of about 650 C (1200 F), using low-cost excess electricity from intermittent renewables sources. The storage time is up to weeks or months long, retaining high efficiency, and being able to deliver valuable high temperature process heat.

Markku will talk about energy storages and their role in balancing electric grids with increasing renewables fraction. He will talk about the shifting electricity market and give insights into how clean energy can also be affordable, when utilizing a correct combination of technologies. He will also present some key figures from the sand battery and give a glimpse of the developments underway in the company.

ROger Ullström

‘Keynte speaker Keyote

Roger Ullström from the Swedish Transport Administration will discuss their groundbreaking work on dynamic charging, commonly referred to as electric roads. The talk will cover four demonstration projects and plans to build Sweden’s — and possibly the world’s — first permanent electric road on the E20 between Hallsberg and Örebro. Additionally, Roger Ullström  will touch upon the international collaboration within the CollERS (Collaboration Electric Road System) initiative. The Swedish Transport Administration is responsible for the planning, construction, and maintenance of state roads and railways. With 10,000 employees and an annual turnover of 90 billion SEK, they manage 14,000 km of railway, 98,500 km of road, 20,700 bridges, and much more. We look forward to hearing from Roger Ullström as he shares insights into the Swedish Transport Administration’s innovative work on electric roads and the future of sustainable transportation!

Richa Chaudhary

‘Keynte speaker Keyote

Dr. Richa Chaudhary is a WISE research fellow at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden, where she earned her Ph.D. in Chemical Sciences from CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory in India. Her research is deeply rooted in sustainability and circular economy principles, focusing on areas such as electrochemical energy storage, structural batteries, multifunctional materials, biomass valorization, and innovative materials, all aimed at promoting sustainable practices.

Currently, Dr. Chaudhary is dedicated to advancing multifunctional structural batteries, which have the potential to revolutionize energy storage and materials. By integrating energy storage capabilities with structural functions, these batteries not only reduce weight but also enhance overall system efficiency. This innovation is especially critical for industries such as automotive, aerospace, and consumer electronics, where the demand for lighter and more efficient materials is ever-increasing. Her research endeavors aim to provide sustainable energy solutions while addressing the pressing need for advanced battery technologies.

Björn Paulsson

‘Keynte speaker Keyote

Björn will share insights into Paulsson Inc.’s groundbreaking work in seismic and acoustic sensing technology, showcasing how their advanced fiber-optic systems are transforming subsurface monitoring. A leader in the field, Paulsson Inc. specializes in Advanced Borehole Seismic (ABS) services, delivering high-resolution 2D, 3D, and 4D Vertical Seismic Profile (VSP) surveys that support sustainable energy practices.

With a focus on clean energy applications like Carbon Capture and Geothermal Systems, Björn’s innovations are pushing the boundaries of seismic monitoring. Join us to hear from Björn Paulsson and learn how their cutting-edge technologies are shaping the future of cleantech!

SPONSORS

  • Consulate General of Sweden

    The Consulate of Sweden in San Francisco represents Sweden's interests in Northern California and the surrounding region. It provides services such as passport issuance, visas, and assistance to Swedish citizens, while promoting cultural, economic, and diplomatic relations between Sweden and the United States. The consulate also supports Swedish companies and fosters collaboration in technology, innovation, and sustainability.

  • Open Doors Management

    Open Doors Management focuses on land management for renewable energy projects, including solar, wind, and energy storage. Founded in 2006, the company connects landowners seeking income with developers needing suitable sites, using specialized algorithms to facilitate interconnection to the energy grid.

  • BPC Instruments

    BPC Instruments, a Swedish company, develops advanced analytical tools for measuring biochemical processes like gas production and biodegradability. Their solutions support industries in bioenergy, waste management, and environmental science, driving sustainability and process optimization.

  • The City Of San Diego

    The City of San Diego is the official governing body for San Diego, responsible for managing public services, infrastructure, and policy development. It oversees areas such as public safety, transportation, housing, and environmental initiatives, aiming to improve the quality of life for residents and promote sustainable growth in the region.

  • IOWN Renewable Energy inc.

    IOWN Renewable Energy Inc. develops utility-scale wind, solar, and energy storage projects across the U.S. and Northern Europe. With over 100 MW in progress, it focuses on asset management and sustainable energy solutions.

  • EDCO

    EDCO is a family-owned leader in integrated waste and recycling services for California communities, dedicated to providing superior customer service with a "We’ll Take Care of It" approach. The company operates a network of facilities designed to maximize recycling and waste recovery, tailoring programs to meet the unique needs of local areas. EDCO actively engages in community initiatives while ensuring efficient waste management and rewarding careers for its employees.