A week of discovery – BiH SuTra partners visiting Sweden | Transition to a better tomorrow -BiHSutra

BiH coal communities are facing significant challenges in the areas of decarbonization, depollution, and circular economy - all essential for a fair and efficient transition. Through the BiH SuTra programme, SEI is supporting self-local government units staff by building capacities to meet these challenges. This week, representatives from the three partner communities — Ugljevik, Breza, and Živinice - visited Stockholm, Sweden, to gain insights into how the country is designing smart and environmentally friendly neighborhoods, sustainable energy systems, and circular waste management solutions.

Clean water and vibrant sustainable neighbourhoods – what do they look like?

On the first day, the Bosnian delegation, together with the BiH SuTra team, visited the Sjöstadsverket Water Innovation Centre (IVL-SWIC) - one of the world’s leading R&D facilities in water treatment technology. The delegation was shown how the centre tests new technologies and innovative solutions in water treatment and environmental engineering, with the goal of reusing treated wastewater. A standout example was the production of beer from treated wastewater, showcasing advanced technological applications.

The group also visited the Stockholm Royal Seaport, a former industrial area now being transformed into a green, vibrant neighbourhood. The site is using holistic planning and development strategies that promote resource efficiency and minimize climate impact. Many new processes and technologies are being piloted here to support a more sustainable urban future.

The municipality has prioritized greenery, ecosystem services, and biodiversity by integrating vegetation throughout the neighbourhood. Stormwater is effectively managed through smart design that channels water into plant beds for retention and purification. In addition, a smart underground vacuum waste collection system has been implemented. Waste is transported via this system to a subterranean terminal, reducing heavy vehicle traffic and pollution in the area.

Photos from the visit to Royal Seaport. Photos: Ewa Malmsten Nordell.

From waste to energy, from ashes to salt – the future is here!

The second day brought many “aha” moments as the delegation visited the Högbytorp recycling and energy plant, located about 30 minutes north of Stockholm.

At this combined heat and power plant (CHP), energy is recovered from waste through incineration, producing both local electricity and district heating. The plant acts like a “kidney” for the society – removing harmful substances from waste. The ash generated from incineration is then transferred via a dry discharge system to E.ON’s neighbour, Ragn-Sells.

Ragn-Sells operates an advanced recycling facility where they innovate in both recycling and upcycling. They manage various waste streams and work with E.ON to recover materials from CHP ash. Valuable metals and different types of salts are extracted from the ash, leaving minimal residue for landfilling - and what’s left is not harmful to people or the environment.

Photos from the visit to E.ON and Ragn-Sells. Photos: Ewa Malmsten Nordell.

SEI experts gave insights into sustainable water and sanitation

On the third day, the BiH SuTra partners met with experts from SEI and Svenskt Vatten – the Swedish Water and Wastewater Association for an in-depth discussion on water and wastewater management. The sessions focused on equipping participants with a foundational understanding of sustainable and climate-resilient water and sanitation systems, including key concepts in wastewater treatment and how these systems support resource recovery and environmental sustainability.

Key topics included resource recovery and circularity in water sanitation and supply systems, the broader transition landscape for sustainable sanitation, and practical approaches to wastewater treatment. A highlight of the discussions was the presentation of circular sanitation solutions, showcasing Swedish experiences with both collective and individual systems. Experts from SEI, shared insights on resource recovery potentials and circularity practices within Sweden. The session also featured an interactive component in which participants explored new opportunities for collaboration and innovation in the water and sanitation sector.

The delegation attended also a warm reception hosted by the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina to Sweden, discussing opportunities for deepening collaboration between Sweden and Bosnia and Herzegovina in various areas - including environment, climate, academia, business, culture, and property matters.

Next steps in BiH

BiH SuTra is planning a series of capacity-building sessions for both partner and non-partner local government units to share the knowledge gained in Sweden more widely across BiH. These sessions will draw on insights from the study visit and include contributions from both Swedish and Bosnian experts, with additional topics introduced.

Sustainable agriculture: including integrated farming, innovative technologies, fruit growing, livestock management, and climate adaptation.
Pollution reduction: especially in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment and improving water supply systems.
Decarbonization: offering training in clean technologies, emissions mapping, funding opportunities, and best practices.

In addition to technical training, the programme will deliver workshops in EU project proposal writing, as well as communication and presentation skills. These aim to empower local communities to implement sustainable initiatives effectively, engage in international partnerships, and access external funding.