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Sweden

Prince Daniel praises the work of Swedish energy giant

Prince Daniel of Sweden has attended a major anniversary for one of Sweden’s largest and most important producers of electricity and research on energy.

In a visit on September 21st 2020, the prince helped mark the 120th anniversary of ABB’s operations in Ludvika and the Hitachi ABB Power Grid joint venture ceremony. Hitachi ABB Power Grids is one of the country’s biggest energy producers.

Prince Daniel was shown around the premises of the industrial giant before the ceremony. In his speech, the Prince highlighted the importance of reliable energy services as a key to, among other things, preventing diseases and fighting pandemics.

Prince Daniel gave a speech during the ceremony. His Royal Highness said: “Electricity is not just about keeping the lights on. It is about making the world a safer and healthier place, and tackling the great challenges of our time. In addition, traveling to different parts of the world, it always makes me proud to see pioneering technology developed here in Ludvika, contributing to a positive and sustainable development globally.

Following the Prince`s speech, the CEO`s of ABB’s, Björn Rosengren, Hitachi’s CEO Toshiaki Higashihara (via link from Asia) and Hitachi ABB Power Grid’s Chairman Toshikazu Nishino spoke and praised the Prince`s involvement in highlighting the effort to create green energy.

The visit to Ludvika ended with the inauguration of the Japanese inspired garden, which also houses the world’s most powerful transformer. The prince was accompanied by Minister of Trade and Industry, Ibrahim Baylan Hitachi, representing the Swedish government.

Prince Daniel is also the first Swedish royal to be seen wearing a facemask during large parts of an official engagement. The prince wore a facemask during large parts of the visit. He took it off when he gave his speech but then he was many metres away from the nearest person. A total of fifty people were present during the ceremony. All other guests also wore facemasks.

About author

Senior Europe Correspondent Oskar Aanmoen has a master in military and political history of the Nordic countries. He has written six books on historical subjects and more than 1.500 articles for Royal Central. He has also interview both Serbian and Norwegian royals. Aanmoen is based in Oslo, Norway.