From analysis to action – key takeaways from the Future Electricity System conference

How do we move from analysis to real change in Sweden’s electricity system? That was the overarching question when stakeholders from across the energy sector gathered at the Future Electricity System conference, organised by the Swedish Energy Agency and Power Circle. Glava Energy Center was present at the event.

The conference took place at Brygghuset in Stockholm on 29 January and brought together representatives from research, industry, public authorities and the energy sector.

The programme combined presentations and panel discussions, focusing on topics such as the next phase of electrification, the role of distribution system operators, resilience in the electricity system, and how electricity users can become more active participants.

A clear message: it’s time for action

Despite the broad range of topics, several common conclusions emerged throughout the day. Many speakers emphasised the need for more testing and implementation in real-world environments – and less time spent stuck in analysis and pilot phases. Success will require not only technology, but also viable business models, clear incentives and regulatory frameworks that make it easy to do the right thing.

Ulrika Siösteen, Project Manager at Glava Energy Center, attended the conference.

– The message was repeated throughout the day: we need to test more in real life. It has to be easier to do the right thing – and it has to pay off. Without functioning incentives and business models, many solutions risk remaining at the idea stage,” she says.

Flexibility in the energy system was highlighted as a key issue, as was sector coupling between electricity, heat, industry, buildings and transport. Vehicles as flexible resources, energy communities and local initiatives were identified as important building blocks for a more robust and resilient energy system.

Collaboration is key

At the same time, speakers stressed the need for greater predictability and clarity – not least from policymakers and in relation to EU regulations – to encourage more actors to invest, test and scale up new solutions. Several voices also pointed to the risk that increasing regulatory and system complexity could become a barrier, particularly for smaller actors and private individuals, unless support structures are developed in parallel.

– Many of the issues discussed are closely aligned with our work in the Innovite project, especially the need for a holistic perspective and collaboration across sectors. Resilience and preparedness are developing rapidly, but it is clear that continued cooperation is crucial if solutions are to gain real traction,” says Ulrika Siösteen.

Photo caption: Linda Thell Marklund and Johanna Lakso from Power Circle in conversation with Ulrika Siösteen, Glava Energy Center.

Facts: Innovite

Innovite is a Glava Energy Center project that brings together actors from electricity, heat, industry, buildings and digitalisation to develop sector-coupled energy solutions. By collaborating across sector boundaries, the project creates better conditions for testing, innovation and learning in practice. The aim is more action and fewer silos in the energy transition.

The project is funded within the Swedish Energy Agency’s research and innovation programme Future Electricity System.