The electricity grid is another important element of Sweden`s energy transition. Sweden has largely decarbonized its electricity production by investing in nuclear, hydro and, more recently, other renewable energy. This is an important achievement that must be maintained. Sweden has not formally opposed the construction of new nuclear power plants and most existing nuclear power plants are expected to enter service in the coming decades before they expire. Nevertheless, there is little interest in investing in new reactors in the current market. Meanwhile, Sweden has set an ambitious target of achieving 100% electricity generation from renewable sources by 2040. The IEA recommends that the government carefully consider how to achieve this goal and the impact it will have on network stability and security of supply. In the area of policy for promoting the development, installation and use of RES facilities, there is a grant for research and development in the field of wind energy. Sweden`s energy policy is also well integrated with its climate targets, as evidenced by the recent review of the country`s energy policy by the International Energy Agency. In the 2016 Energy Agreement and the 2017 climate framework, Sweden has set ambitious targets, including the long-term goal of reducing net emissions by 2045. However, to achieve these results, additional measures are needed, given that the country`s total CO2 emissions have been shallow since 2013. Energy policy covers the production, distribution and use of energy.
The aim is to balance environmental sustainability, competitiveness and security of supply. It covers issues related to the electricity, heating and gas markets, energy efficiency and renewable energies such as bioenergy, solar and wind and hydro. Buildings and the residential sector currently account for 40% of Sweden`s energy consumption. Buildings have a long lifespan. Energy efficiency is therefore important for the construction of houses. Improving the energy efficiency of existing buildings is the biggest challenge. [12] The report pays particular attention to transportation-related emissions. This sector accounts for less than a quarter of Sweden`s final energy consumption, but more than half of its energy-related CO2 emissions. Sweden has set a target of reducing transport emissions by 70% between 2010 and 2030.
“The Nordic electricity market is an excellent example of how countries can benefit from closer cooperation,” said Simons. “We recommend further market integration to support the continued energy transition in the region.” In 2011, the World Energy Council rated Sweden, France and Switzerland highly for their energy sustainability. In 2017, the share of energy generated from renewable sources in Sweden accounted for 55% of energy consumption, 69% in heating and cooling, 66% in electricity and 27% in transport. [6] According to the Energy Information Administration, CO2 emissions from Sweden`s energy consumption amounted to 54.77 million tonnes in 2009, slightly less than 54.86 million tonnes in Finland, despite the population difference. [49] Per capita emissions were 5.58 tonnes per capita in Sweden and 9.93 tonnes per capita in Finland in 2009. [50] In 2013, Sweden was the second-best country for wind capacity per capita in the world: 488 W per person, only surpassed by Denmark (863 W per person). [29] In terms of correlation, Swedish per capita energy consumption in Europe is well above average.