Articles on energy storage

Sweden's electricity grid faces major challenges in coping with large-scale electrification and the green transition. Weak infrastructure creates problems for businesses, cities, and municipalities that want to grow. The expansion of the grid infrastructure is slow, so what do we do now?

We are now accustomed to charging stations refuelling our cars with energy, but what if the growing fleet of electric cars could also feed energy back into the grid when needed? So-called vehicle-to-grid technology could be a future solution that both contributes to a more stable electricity system and offers a number of advantages for households.

When it comes to preparing the electricity system for the future, Europe and Sweden are in a position where the technology is already developed and ready to be used. The big challenge will be the need for collaboration.

How do we secure energy supply in times of crisis? In Grums, Sweden, a battery storage system is now being tested to keep schools, preschools, and other vital public services running—even if the national power grid goes down. The project could become a key to a more resilient electricity system.

Stena Line’s new concept vessel Stena Futuro can reduce energy usage by 20 percent or more, combining existing technologies such as wing sails and air lubrication. RISE independently assessed the saving potential of the wing sails and helped with a study to confirm that the vessel fulfills certain requirements for stability and maneuverability in scenarios such as sudden wind shifts or quick course changes.

Scania has a strong focus on the development of electric vehicles – vehicles that customers expect to be able to drive longer distances in all kinds of climates. To accelerate the development of sustainable transport, Scania has been an active partner in the establishment of the national test centre SEEL. "We see a great need for this test bed in the market and are proud of the journey SEEL is taking together with us, its partners and customers," says Johan Karlsson, Head of Test Cell Operation E-Mobility at Scania.

Heart Aerospace is a company with a clear ambition: to revolutionise regional air travel with electric passenger aircrafts. During the development of the first prototype of the ES-30 hybrid-electric aircraft, SEEL played an important role in testing the electric motor.

Electric vehicles are developing fast. But they need to develop even faster – to cope with the climate change and to meet market demands. "We need to make something technically even better, but also cheaper," says Martin Gustavsson, head of research at the Swedish Electric Transport Laboratory (SEEL).

In a complex world with major challenges, the importance of a powerful research institute becomes apparent. In 2024, RISE will achieve a strong result that will enable continued investments in cutting-edge expertise and technology infrastructure that are important for Sweden's and Europe's competitiveness.

Energy communities are a smart way to produce, recycle and share energy between homes, industries and other types of buildings. Since the beginning of the year, energy sharing between residential buildings has been authorized, opening up new possibilities.

To remain competitive in technology and industry, Sweden needs strong partners in Europe and beyond. A decades-long business relationship with South Korea in shipping is now creating new opportunities – in completely different industries.

As the green transition accelerates, the need for energy storage is increasing. Hydrogen storage and batteries are seen as particularly important technologies. Building an energy storage facility is a big investment - but there are also opportunities to save and make money.

A unique opportunity to develop new electromobility products and services has opened up. In September 2023, three new test centers for electric vehicles and components were inaugurated within the initiative SEEL, Swedish Electric Transport Laboratory. The goal is clear: The testbed is to comprise one of the few open meeting places for collaboration and innovation in Europe. 

The expansion of charging infrastructure is not only driving the transition within transportation. It is also providing hackers with new targets. Accordingly, RISE is launching a special initiative for enhanced cyber security for charging stations in Sweden. 

The European aviation industry has the ambition of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. Hydrogen-powered aircraft will play an important role in achieving this, and hydrogen is one of the aviation solutions expected to deliver the greatest climate benefits. At best, up to ninety percent of the aviation industry’s current carbon emissions can be eliminated by using hydrogen.

Sweden needs to increase its electricity production significantly by 2050 to secure the electrification of society and industry. However, in addition to increasing production, improved efficiency, better decision-making and a willingness to consider the whole rather than the parts can also play key roles.