Demand for batteries is growing explosively, a trend driven by electrification, the green transition, and the need for energy security. Now, the Nordics and Japan are intensifying collaboration on the batteries of the future.
The Nordic Region and Japan face a common challenge: how to build robust, sustainable, and innovative value chains that deliver on both competitiveness and climate ambitions.
Nordic Battery Day, an event held in the Nordic Pavilion at EXPO 2025 in Osaka, showcased how the Nordics and Japan can complement each other. The Nordic Region has expertise in sustainable mining, alternative materials, battery recycling, and circular solutions. At the same time, Japan is a global leader in battery production, automation, and advanced R&D. Together, the two have what it takes to develop more sustainable supply chains, recycle more materials, accelerate innovation, and establish joint education and talent programs.
*****************************************
Related: EXPO 2025: Japanese Interest in Nordic Hydrogen and Other Energy Solutions
*****************************************
Nordic Innovation sets the framework
Håkan Lind, senior adviser at Nordic Innovation (NI), took part in the event and stressed that the Nordic Region’s strength lies in the ability of the countries to work together:
“We are five small countries, but together we generate results far greater than any of us could achieve on our own. That is the essence of Nordic co-operation – and what we bring with us to Japan.”
Nordic Innovation is a Nordic Council of Ministers’ body that acts as a catalyst for innovation and co-operation throughout the region. In recent years, NI has co-founded the Nordic Battery Collaboration, an initiative run by Business Finland, Business Sweden, and Innovation Norway. Its vision is to make the Nordic Region the home of the most sustainable, competitive, and innovative battery ecosystem in the world.
*******************************************
Related: Vietnam and Norway – Partners in Energy Transition
*******************************************
From dialogue to action
The event coincided with the signing of new memoranda of understanding (MoUs) by Japanese and European industry organizations for the battery sector, marking a significant step from dialogue to action.
As Håkan Lind, senior adviser at NI, summed it up in his closing remarks:
“Japan and the Nordic Region share the same ambition: to make the battery value chain more sustainable, robust and innovative. This seminar has been an important step in the right direction, but what really matters will be the meetings, partnerships and projects that emerge as a result of it.”
The Nordics and Japan are Intensifying Collaboration on the Batteries of the Future, a press release from Nordic Co-operation.