Michigan received the royal treatment Friday by King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden as he visited the state to promote green energy use. 
The king participated in two events that day – the first being an energy summit in Dearborn, outside of Detroit. The second was for the main reason why the king came to Michigan: to break ground on a new biogas facility at Kettering University.
King Carl Gustaf was welcomed by Michigan governor Jennifer Granholm, and the two went to the Dearborn summit. There the monarch told an packed audience at the Ritz Carlton:
“We ought to know the impact of climate change is one of the greatest challenges the world has faced. Sweden has made progress toward a better environment, but maybe not fast enough.”
Later on, the king was taken to Kettering University in Flint, a city known for its car industry. There, with Governor Granholm, Mayor Don Williamson, U.S. Ambassador to Sweden Michael Wood and the Swedish ambassador to the U.S. Jonas Hafstron, King Carl Gustaf broke ground for a biogas facility by using specially made shovels.
The biogas system converts human waste to biogas for use in the Flint bus system. The technology has been used in Sweden for 15 years. The project is the only one of its kind in the United States.
Governor Granholm hopes the facility will create 700 jobs for an area that is experiencing hard times.
“Our intention is we are going to lead this country in that production and learn from what we have seen in Sweden,” said the Governor. ”It’s such a great day for Michigan to learn on how we can proceed to add those sectors to our economy and create jobs.”
“Flint is on the move,” Granholm added. “This is a very resilient community. We are on our way back.”
During a news conference after the ceremony, Gustaf said he’s aware of Flint’s high unemployment, and he’s glad to help.
“I know the history of the car industry in this area,” said Gustaf, a car buff.
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