Energy Policies of IEA Countries: Sweden 2013
Sweden has made progress in recent years towards a more secure, sustainable energy
future. The Scandinavian nation already has an almost carbon-free electricity supply
and has phased out oil use in residential and power sectors. It is increasingly integrated
within the Nordic and Baltic electricity markets, and its joint renewable electricity
certificate market with Norway offers a unique model for other countries.
Now Sweden must take concrete steps to realise its vision of a fossil-fuel-independent
vehicle fleet by 2030 and no net greenhouse-gas emissions by 2050. Although Sweden
has decided to allow the replacement of its existing nuclear reactors, further emission
reductions will come at a higher cost and require technology change. This means Sweden
will need to carefully evaluate the most cost-effective pathways for its transition
to a low-carbon economy.
Sweden has a high energy-intensity level, which requires greater energy efficiency
in industry, buildings, heat and transport. A decarbonisation vision should be mapped
out for each industry sector. Starting with transport, Sweden must specify how it
will wean its vehicle fleet from fossil fuels by 2030.
Sweden’s industry lead in smart grids is an asset. Sweden should scale up investment
in clean energy technologies. As all Nordic countries decarbonise, cost-effective
regional solutions can control consumers’ costs. The large-scale deployment of renewable
and energy technologies in a common Northern European energy market can drive decarbonisation
without comprising competitiveness, security of supply and affordability.
This review analyses the energy-policy challenges currently facing Sweden, and provides
studies and recommendations for each sector.
Published on February 05, 2013
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