The Role of Municipalities in the Energy Transition Highlighted at Almedalen

The electricity systems of both Sweden and the world are rapidly evolving. The increasing demand from industry requires not only more electricity production but also well-considered planning of power grids and power stations—built where they are truly needed. Here, municipalities play a key role.

Visions of growing electricity demand, driven by the desire to transition to fossil-free industrial production and the availability of cheap electricity in Sweden, have the potential to strengthen the competitiveness of Swedish industry. This societal transformation requires more than just technical solutions. To succeed, the electricity system must be strategically planned, locally approved, and built in the right place and at the right time.

Municipalities control land use and have the opportunity to foster collaboration between stakeholders working to plan for future electrification. Municipal energy planning should not be just an administrative document; the planning process is a way to connect industrial needs with local opportunities.

“Municipal energy planning lays the foundation for ensuring that electricity and energy supply can meet the needs of both companies and residents today and in the future. With clear plans and priorities, municipalities can enable new establishments, secure electricity capacity, and promote climate-smart solutions that strengthen local development,” says Christel Thuresson, business and energy strategist at Business Region West.

Municipalities’ Role in Focus During Panel Discussion at Almedalen

During Almedalen Week, Energikontoren Sverige (Swedish Energy Agencies) invites attendees to a panel discussion highlighting the role of municipalities in energy development, and how energy planning can support coordinated decision-making rather than pose an obstacle.

“Competent municipalities can drive industrial development through their energy planning. A well-structured planning process enables coordinated decisions and ensures that capacity is built in line with demand. This promotes economic efficiency, business growth, and faster electrification,” says Tomas Kåberger, Professor of Industrial Energy Policy at Chalmers University of Technology and newly appointed Chair of Energikontoren Sverige, who will also moderate the panel discussion.

The Energy Plan as an Enabler – What Is Required?

The panel discussion brings together municipal strategists, business representatives, and energy experts from energy agencies and energy companies to discuss how municipalities can take a more active role in development and what collaborations are necessary for success.

Topics include:

  • How energy planning can create room for action for both industry and grid companies

  • What businesses expect from municipal planning

  • What challenges and opportunities municipalities face in the electrification process

  • Good examples of local collaboration

Participants:

  • Tomas Kåberger, Chair, Energikontoren Sverige / Professor, Chalmers University of Technology

  • Christian Roos, Director Connections & Services, E.ON

  • Michelle Tun Von Gyllenpalm, Energy Policy Expert, Confederation of Swedish Enterprise

  • Christel Thuresson, Business and Energy Strategist, Fyrbodal Municipal Association / Business Region West

  • Oskar Sundholm, Project Manager, Energikontor Norra Småland / Energikontoren Sverige

  • Christel Liljegren, CEO and Board Member, Energikontor Syd / Energikontoren Sverige

Read more at – Kommunernas roll i energiomställningen lyfts i Almedalen | Energikontoren Sverige

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