Baltic Energy Market Interconnection Plan GRIP 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: \\ Ecological sustainability

\\ Competitiveness \\ 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.

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BEMIP Gas Regional Investment Plan 2017