South Jutland in Denmark is swiftly becoming a front-runner in the green transition, owing to its proximity to offshore wind turbines, hosting Northern Europe's largest solar park, and fostering collaborations between industry and energy companies to improve energy efficiency.

GESEK, one of eight business lighthouses established by the Danish Business Promotion Board, was formed to harness this potential. Its goal is to position South Jutland as a centre and a source of inspiration for new green energy solutions, contributing to the fight against climate change and reducing Denmark’s dependence on fossil fuels.

This project, supported by funding from REACT-EU, the European Regional Development Fund, and the European Social Fund Plus, brings together companies, public authorities, and other organisations.

Its primary aim is to accelerate the transition to green energy and share South Jutland’s experiences on both national and international platforms. While rooted in South Denmark, the partnership invites companies from across the country to participate.

Four pillars for sustainable progress

GESEK's approach is built around four key principles. Firstly, it acknowledges that numerous solutions to environmental challenges exist, emphasising the need to implement them on a larger scale. The lighthouse supports projects facilitating extensive testing of these technologies.

Secondly, GESEK recognises the importance of a skilled workforce in the green transition. Thus, it strives to make the energy sector an attractive career path by bolstering vocational education and training, upskilling the current workforce, and attracting international talent.

Thirdly, the initiative aims to showcase Danish solutions internationally, demonstrating how a collaborative approach can drive a successful green transition.

Lastly, it aims to identify sustainable frameworks that support forward-looking solutions in the green sector.

Bringing a qualified workforce into the green transition

Work-Live-Stay, an organisation aiding Danish workplaces in attracting and retaining qualified labour, collaborates with the Business Lighthouse on green energy and sector coupling. It focuses on youth, education, international labour, and competence development.

Iben Arvad Hansen, CEO of Work-Live-Stay, remarked, "It is a long and tough, but necessary journey that is required. It is our experience that this hands-on effort works well. Our task is to develop and participate in projects and apply for funding for the benefit of SMEs within green energy and sector coupling. In this way, we help lead the effort and ensure that we maintain the original idea of the lighthouse."