Energy Systems of the Future

Points of Departure

The Energy System Affects the Climate

The energy system – meaning the supply, transformation, distribution and use of energy – is a key element of society. The prosperity created in Sweden and in other parts of the world would not have been possible without secure access to energy. From a global perspective, energy largely originates from fossil sources such as oil, coal and gas, and according to the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the energy system is the largest emitter of greenhouse gases. If we want to remain prosperous, while also achieving our climate targets based on international agreements, we need to drastically change our energy system.

Secure Supply of Energy Important to Society

The transport and industrial sectors are crucial for society while also requiring a great deal of energy. Combined, these sectors account for about 60 percent of the total energy use in Sweden. Other basic functions in society, such as buildings and various types of information infrastructure, also depend on secure access to energy. A prerequisite for converting the energy system is thus to ensure the supply of energy. The focus of our future energy system may also influence to what extent Sweden becomes dependent on other countries, thereby also our level of vulnerability from a geopolitical perspective.