If we’re building with renewables, why are we still letting the fear of consumption dictate our choices? At Bodenxt Talks, Per Langer, CEO of Polar Energy, called for a shift in perspective: from holding back to boldly building.
What happens when we stop viewing energy as a scarce resource—and start seeing it as a key to progress? That was the core of Per Langer’s message as he took the stage and addressed the audience.
“We shouldn’t waste energy. But we also need to stop thinking the solution lies in doing less. It’s about doing more—using the right methods and the right technology,” he said.
Som vd för Polar Energy ser Per Langer energisystemet som en möjliggörare snarare än ett hinder. Enligt honom är det avgörande för att lösa samhällsutmaningar som vattenförsörjning, livsmedelsproduktion och grön industriell utveckling.
One of the key points he emphasized was the need to move away from treating energy saving as a moral obligation.
“We have to stop moralizing how people use energy. There’s no point in shaming someone for taking a 20-minute shower. If we build on renewable sources, energy itself isn’t the problem—it’s how we use it that matters,” he explained.
The technology and potential are already here. What’s lacking, Langer argued, are updated regulations and the political will to act.
“We’re ready. But unless we decide to do things differently, nothing will change.”
Dialogue is the better system
Another key message was the importance of open conversations. Bringing different actors together and exchanging perspectives – even when things are difficult – is necessary to create legitimacy and long-term decisions.
“If we don’t have the conversation, power ends up in the hands of a few—and that leads to elitism. Sure, it can be harder and take longer. But the easy way isn’t always the right way.”
Langer also pointed to northern Sweden’s unique position in the transition. Here, innovation is embraced—not feared.
“That’s the mindset we need more of across Sweden,” he concluded.
Energy as a security issue
Among the other speakers was Julian Wieczorkiewicz, Policy Officer at NATO Headquarters in Brussels. He described how energy is becoming an increasingly vital part of the European security landscape. Redundancy, control over energy sources, and regional resilience were all identified as key pillars. Wieczorkiewicz also stressed the importance of understanding who ultimately holds the switch—and how that affects everything from national preparedness to industrial development.
The program brought together a wide range of voices. In addition to Langer and Wieczorkiewicz, speakers included:
- Rebecka Bergholtz, Energimyndigheten
- Anders Öhlund, Länsstyrelsen
- Tobias Rehnholm, Vattenfall R&D
- Magnus Nilsson, Nyhléns Hugosons/Alviksgården
- Anna Krook Riekkola, Luleå tekniska universitet
- Torbjörn Fredriksson, Försvarsmakten
- Municipal representatives from Boden, Gällivare and Luleå
Panel discussions, keynotes and informal networking came together in a program that reflected the complexity of energy—from infrastructure and innovation to governance and global dynamics.
Torbjörn Fredriksson, Swedish Armed Forces, Tobhias Wikström, moderator, and Julian Wieczorkiewicz, NATO.
Bodenxt Talks is an event inspired by the internationally renowned Ted Talks concept. Each event features thematic presentations followed by a panel discussion, where experts and representatives from various industries explore how cross-sector collaboration can contribute to Boden’s development. By doing so, Bodenxt Talks creates a unique platform for entrepreneurs, researchers, and other stakeholders who want to take part in shaping the future that is already unfolding.
