RedigitiZE – Exploring Digital Pathways to Industrial Electrification

RedigitiZE is a feasibility study that explores how digital technologies can help industry grow and use electricity more efficiently – without being limited by the current grid capacity constraints. The focus is on understanding the system, analysing needs, and identifying pathways toward a more flexible and electrified industrial sector.

About the Feasibility Study

• Project name: RedigitiZE – Regional Digitalisation of Industrial Energy for Zero Emissions
• Time frame: April – October 2025
• Coordinator: Glava Energy Center
• Project manager: Oliver Ingwall King, o.ingwall.king@glavaenergycenter.se
• Funder: Vinnova – Sweden’s Innovation Agency
• Budget: SEK 1,714,683
• Focus area: Vinnova’s programme “Advanced Digitalisation – System-changing Initiatives”

Why RedigitiZE?

Electricity demand in Sweden is rising rapidly. Industry is electrifying, transportation is transitioning, and new businesses are emerging. At the same time, the electricity grid is already under heavy strain. In several parts of the country – including Värmland – new grid connections are not expected until 2035 or later.

To meet these challenges, we need new ways of thinking. RedigitiZE explores how industry can evolve from being only consumers of electricity to also supporting the grid’s stability. This is not just a technical issue – it’s about collaboration, innovation, and a willingness to do things differently.

What Can RedigitiZE Change?

Although the study is preparatory in nature, it is also a strategic initiative that aims to:

• Map the system and key actors around industrial electrification.
• Identify shared goals and build a common mission.
• Develop an implementation strategy with action plans for national scaling.
• Build a broad national consortium.

And perhaps most importantly: clarify how industry can concretely support Distribution System Operators (DSOs) in delivering the capacity needed for continued electrification.

Who Is Involved?

The project is led by Glava Energy Center in collaboration with:

• Industries: Uddeholm, Volvo CE, Billerud, LBC Frakt.
• Grid and energy companies: Ellevio, Karlstads Energi.
• Technical and digital solution providers: CheckWatt, EG Kraft, Hydroc, Endre Tech, Norgald.
• Research: Karlstad University, RISE.
• Clusters: IUC Stål & Verkstad, Paper Province, Compare.
• Supporting networks: SESBC (Swedish Electricity Storage and Balancing Centre), RESKU (Resource Network for Sustainable Energy Systems, Karlstad University), DAMI (Digital Adaptive Manufacturing for Industry).

What Is Needed to Succeed?

The feasibility study addresses five core needs that must be met for electrification to be practically achievable:

• Functional data sharing. Industry must be able to share both real-time and forecasted energy data – reliably, securely, and in a useful format.
• Technology that is both secure and flexible. Solutions must be adaptable to different conditions while meeting high cybersecurity standards.
• Collaboration across actors. Electrification is a system-level challenge that no single actor can solve alone. Industry, DSOs, researchers, and solution providers must work together.
• Business models and regulations that support cooperation. Economic incentives and clear rules are needed to enable investments and fair value distribution.
• A clear understanding of industry’s role. We must define how industry can contribute to meeting demand, freeing up capacity, and enabling new grid connections.

How Is the Study Structured?

RedigitiZE is divided into five work packages, each focusing on a specific area:

1. Forum for Learning and Collaboration

Creating spaces for partners to share insights, discuss system change, and build shared understanding.

2. System Analysis and Mapping

Analysing technologies, regulations, and business models – identifying current barriers and enablers.

3. Industry Needs

Through workshops and interviews, mapping what industry actually needs to act more flexibly.

4. Digital Solutions

Mapping existing systems and analysing what is needed for them to be usable and scalable.

5. Next Step Plan

Concluding the study by developing a proposal for a full-scale implementation project – including demonstration ideas, key actors, and goals.

Glossary – What Do These Terms Mean?

Prosumer: Someone who both consumes and produces electricity.

Mission-driven approach: A way to unite many actors to solve a major societal challenge together.

Flexibility in the power system: Smart electricity use, e.g., shifting usage times to reduce peak load.

Cybersecurity: Protecting digital information from manipulation or leakage.

DSO (Distribution System Operator): The company responsible for local electricity networks.

System change: Changing how an entire system works fundamentally, not just improving details.

Photo caption: Gruvön industrial area in Grums, Värmland. Photo: Linn Malmén