When compared to other parts of Sweden and also other places in the world, Östergötland has "unusually good conditions" to invest in alternative fuels, the researchers Axel Lindfors and Mats Eklund from Linköping University wrote in two reports.

- There is already a lot of knowledge here, says Axel Lindfors.

Two examples are the Technical Works in Linköping and Agroetanol in Norrköping, both of which have long experience in producing biofuels. There is knowledge that can be shared with other parts of the world.

Long history provides export opportunities

- Östergötland is the region in the world that has the longest history and greatest experience of biogas as a fuel. That knowledge can be exported, says Lindfors.

In addition, the researchers claim that Östergötland has good conditions for electric-powered transport. First and foremost, they think of lighter vehicles and passenger cars.

The fact that the county is relatively small and has a fairly small population means that the researchers facilitate travel and transport.

A lot of work left

Thus, knowledge and conditions exist, but the two researchers emphasize that a combination of different measures is needed. Investing in, for example, electric vehicles, for example, is not enough, but at the same time investments in biodiesel, ethanol and biogas are needed for future transport to become environmentally friendly.

However, making Östergötland a pioneer can take some time. Some work is already underway, but it is a great deal to get different actors to work together.

- It is in the hands of several players. Some of the key players are the region, municipalities and Östgötatrafiken, says Lindfors. You may need to do things to speed this up. Taxes and financial incentives from the state may be needed, concludes Lindfors.