Power shortages threaten industrial growth – what should we do now?

In 2030, the maximum power requirement is estimated to be around 30 GW. This represents an increase of approximately 15 per cent compared with the current level (2025). The explanation lies in the transition to fossil-free steel production, the expansion of battery factories and the electrification of the transport sector – in short, the green transition.

The transmission network, formerly known as the national grid, began to be built in the 1940s. It runs from north to south and connects Sweden's electricity network with those of other countries. The regional and local grids are connected to the transmission grid, transporting electricity the last leg of the journey to the vast majority of electricity users.

According to the Swedish Energy Agency, Sweden's electricity grid is well developed and robust, but the transition and digitalisation are placing heavy demands on it. The Swedish Energy Markets Inspectorate gives this example in an article: Connecting a server hall to a regional grid is like connecting an entirely new city to the existing electricity grid.

– The limitations become clear when large industries and data centres want to expand and receive negative responses from local electricity network companies when they apply for connection at a certain capacity, says Claes Winzell, business developer specialising in electricity issues at RISE, and continues:

– Electricity network companies must consider the worst-case scenario when assessing a request for subscribed power. They may then conclude that no, on a bitterly cold and windless winter's day when industries are running at full capacity and the heat pumps in private homes are working overtime, we will not be able to deliver the power that is requested.

Battery storage and flexibility are part of the solution

Since we now have more weather-dependent energy sources in the mix than when large parts of the electricity grid were built, the risk of power shortages (the inability to supply enough electricity at a given time) has increased over time. The fact that wind turbines and solar parks are scattered across the country, often in areas where the grid infrastructure is weak, is also a challenge.

To counteract the "congestion" in the electricity grids that prevents companies and municipalities from growing and Sweden from transitioning, the electricity grids need to be renewed and expanded. This is not something that can be done overnight. Claes Winzell talks about efforts that can be made here and now:

– Local battery storage facilities can be placed in strategically suitable locations to provide the electricity grid with the "power reserve" that may be needed when electricity is needed most. This creates resilience in the grid and can also help the local grid owner to cut power peaks when consumption in the grid reaches its peak, known as peak shaving, says Claes Winzell.

Battery storage can also be used to provide support services, such as frequency regulation and reserve capacity, to the electricity grid. It acts as a buffer, enabling companies to act as both consumers and suppliers of electricity.

There is great potential in the flexibility market, which should be developed further. The technology and innovative companies to realise it exist, but the industry is conservative and stuck in old ways of working. A rethink is needed here," says Claes Winzell, continuing:

– Simplifying and shortening the permit processes for expanding the electricity grid will also be necessary. Key players in solving these two challenges include Svenska kraftnät, electricity grid companies and authorities such as the Swedish Energy Markets Inspectorate, as well as other decision-makers. As an independent research organisation, RISE also plays an important role.

"Hampers our social development"

RISE approaches the issue of the electricity grid from many angles, running research projects in collaboration with key players to address Sweden's increased power requirements. One such project is "Power Forecasts for Future Power Demand and Electricity Use", involving six different regions and three energy industry partner companies. RISE's expertise in the battery value chain will be invaluable when strengthening the electricity grid with energy storage solutions.

Although Claes Winzell is reluctant to use the word 'urgent' to describe the situation where electricity consumption increases while the expansion and development of the electricity grid infrastructure lags behind, he does agree that power shortages are hampering our social development and Sweden's competitiveness.

– When the wind turbines stand still during winter and the price of electricity soars to 4 Swedish kronor, it becomes clear why we need increased capacity to handle the new dynamics in the electricity system, says Claes Winzell.