Community-based Local Energy System in Industrial Areas in Sweden

Industrial areas in Sweden contribute to jobs, economic growth, innovation, etc., and have an important role in today's and future society. The power capacity shortage is already an obstacle to business growth and potential investments in such areas. The future electrification of vehicles/heavy vehicles will further increase the need for electricity as heavy vehicles and logistics centers are common in industrial areas.¨ Forming energy communities and/or creating solutions with local multi-energy systems can be a possible way forward. Despite numerous industrial areas in Sweden, the energy community/local multi-energy system in industrial areas is unexplored. The project aims to investigate potential opportunities and challenges with energy communities /local multi-energy concepts in Swedish industrial areas. A typical industrial area on the outskirts of Borås (Viared) will be used as a case study. Various aspects such as technology, economics, and social issues will be considered.
For more information, watch the two following short project presentations: 

• Project Pitch in English  - Power Circle: Framtidens Elsystem Projektledarforum   - November 2023
• Project Presentation på svenska- Power Circle Conference - Framtidens elsystem 2024

The project builds further on a preliminary study "solar power and electricity grid in Viared industrial area" but has a broader approach and is not limited to electricity and the electricity grid alone. We are investigating whether we can achieve a positive energy district (PED). 

Final seminar on February 20, 2026

Video: LESIA - Local Energy Systems in Industrial Areas - Slutseminarium 2026-02-20 
Presentation: LESIA Final Seminar - 2026-02-20 

How can we collaborate on energy solutions in Sweden’s industrial areas?
Welcome to this open seminar where we present the results of the LESIA project – Local Energy Systems in Industrial Areas. We will share our key lessons learned, scenario results, and recommendations for other areas facing similar development needs.

Reference Group: Borås elnät, Borås Energi och Miljö, Logicenters, Hydria Fastigheter, Viared Företagsförening and Borås Stad