Page 63 - European Energy Innovation - summer 2018 publication

Summer 2018 European Energy Innovation 63

SWEDEN ENERGY

In order to cope with the conversion of
the energy system, a clear roadmap is required
which specifies what policy measures are to
be implemented in order to achieve the
overall objective.

change as an opportunity, mostly another a key factor in achieving any how we strengthen competitiveness.
benefitting early movers, has been a serious target for renewables. Public
successful strategy. We are convinced funding for renewable electricity has However, nothing is won just by lofty
that Sweden will benefit from the been strengthened and extended targets. In order to cope with the
technological achievements that a during our time in government. We conversion of the energy system,
100% renewable target will bring. have created long-term conditions for a clear roadmap is required which
Right wing parties and the the modern environmental requirements specifies what policy measures are to
Swedish industry came to share the in hydropower, for long-term be implemented in order to achieve
view that we want to export new investments in power grids in the overall objective. Reforms are still
solutions to difficult problems, not Northern Europe and for a growing needed to provide better conditions
emissions. service sector in energy efficiency and for investments in renewable energy
small-scale electricity production. and energy efficiency. New technical
We also managed to drive home the This has in no small way contributed solutions with energy storage,
point that a long term target will also to the achievability on the 100% participating customers and smart
benefit the industry by giving a clear target. The technique for renewables grids are important components
signal on the direction in which we is there, but companies need public of the energy system of the future.
are moving. Many industrialists I have support to make the transition. Other important components for
spoken to have not been worried creating a robust electrical system
by the 100% renewable target. On It cannot be stressed enough are hydropower and a larger
the contrary they usually see it as that any bipartisan effort to make interconnection of the electricity grid
an incentive to innovate, given that a common target needs to be in Sweden and neighboring countries.
government can provide sufficient based on facts and knowledge – An important step in the roadmap
support. What most of them want are not on personal perception and is to review energy regulations and
just clearly defined rules and long- ideological orientation. The Energy modify them to suit the power
term guidelines, giving the industry Commission leading the effort to challenge. This includes questions
sufficient security to invest in the reach a bipartisan agreement, held relating to market design and product
solutions of the future. Especially so many meetings, study sessions and demand side action.
for energy companies and industry, and organized public seminars.
which make investments that will Local, regional and national players Now the hard work begins in order to
last for 40 years or more; they participated in the conversation. This reach 100 % renewables in Sweden in
need long-term conditions for their work dissolved some old ideological 20 years time. Through determination,
operations. This is another reason deadlocks. By putting science ahead bipartisan cooperation and by giving
why bi-partisan agreements form of ideology everyone could in the end businesses workable long term
such a crucial part for transition and agree that investments in renewable conditions I am convinced we can
innovation. energy and energy efficiency will be make this transition. And if Sweden
the answer to both questions about with our unreasonable cold winter
Sufficient government support is how we improve the environment and nights can make it, so can others. l

www.europeanenergyinnovation.eu