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BEMIP Gas Regional Investment Plan 2017
3.7 Sweden
3.7.1 ENERGY POLICY
The Swedish government has declared that Sweden shall have zero net emissions
of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere by the year 2050, and will thereafter have
negative emissions. The Swedish energy policy is based on the same three corner-
stones as assessed within the framework of the EU energy cooperation. The policy
thus seeks to accommodate:
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Ecological sustainability
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Competitiveness
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Security of supply
In a broad parliamentary energy policy agreement on 10 June 2016, it was decreed
that Sweden shall have a robust electricity system with high reliability, low environ-
mental impact and with access to electricity at competitive prices. The goal for 2040
is 100% renewable electricity production. This is a goal, not an end date prohibiting
nuclear power and it does not mean the closure of nuclear power through political
decisions. A goal for energy efficiency for the time period 2020–2030 shall be
developed and be approved no later than 2017.
Swedish nuclear power, which together with hydropower accounts for the larger part
of Sweden's energy supply, is facing major investment needs to meet the new safety
requirements. The Swedish Radiation Safety Authority has decided that these new
requirements must be met by 2020, otherwise the reactors may not continue
operation. Nuclear power must bear its own costs, and the principle that nuclear
power should not be subsidised remains. New reactors are allowed to be built at
existing sites, up to a maximum of ten reactors.
Hydropower has held a central role in Sweden's renewable electricity supply.
A continued high production of hydropower is an important part of the efforts to
achieve an increased share of electricity from renewable energy sources. No larger
expansion of hydropower is planned but an upgrade of existing plants with modern
environmental permits will take place.
The renewable energy will continue to be expanded. Sweden has a good potential
for renewable electricity production, and it is reasonable to assume that Sweden is
a net exporter of electricity also in the long term. By, for instance, efficient use of
existing hydro power and bio energy the power output can be increased. The power
issue is important to consider when it comes to expansion of renewable electricity
production. Considerations must be taken to the varying needs over the year and
situations with low electricity prices.