Accounting for 37 percent of the country’s total final energy use, Bioenergy is the largest energy source in Sweden strengthening its energy system. Bio‑based combined heat and power (CHP) contributes roughly up to one tenth of Sweden’s electricity generation while district heating warms up half of the households. The Swedish Parliament has set a target to double national electricity production, and with relatively straightforward and cost‑efficient measures, bio‑CHP can be expanded to support the country’s electrification goals.

Bioenergy in Sweden strengthens power generation and district heating

Among such initiative aiming at enhancing electricity production in Sweden there is Kraftlyftet (Read more about it here). Kraftlyftet is a broad scheme which aims at reinforcing the power system as a whole, for example by promoting investments in increased electricity production capacity from bio-CHP and gas turbines. It also includes regional grid‑connection measures that ensure capacity allocation; as well as other investments that contribute to more flexible power and energy use among large electricity consumers. This to allow a more efficient utilisation of the electricity grid. 

More than 400 applications were submitted during the first round, which represent over EUR 1.1 billion, all aimed at reinforcing the system’s capacity to meet rising electricity needs. The applications include investments in bio-based CHP plants, thermal storage, and regional grid‑connection measures bu also investments aiming at enhancing flexibility in power and energy use among large electricity consumers. 

In this context, bioenergy has a significant role to play in strengthening the Swedish energy system and  achieving its climate targets. Both the industry and the government are working together to see this happen.

Bioenergy in Sweden can support the energy system

Following this successful first round of application, Kraftlyftet was extended to include cogeneration using waste and thermal storage connected to district heating networks. Now more investments aiming at strengthening security of supply in the power system can receive financial support, and the future for Swedish bioenergy  looks very bright.