Shared data describes the Swedish electrical system in a new way

Since then, the concept has expanded into a national project with around a dozen participants from various sectors. The work is coordinated by AI Sweden.

"Today's debate is dominated by isolated figures and comparisons that are difficult to contextualize. By creating a shared, fact-based view of both production and consumption, we have a better foundation for discussion," explains Niklas Wahlberg.

Behovskartan is an interactive simulation where users can tweak settings related to electricity needs, technological advances, climate changes, and other factors. The goal is to foster an understanding of electricity production and consumption from local to national levels.

Swedish electricity consumption has been stable for decades. But now we're facing something different. The vehicle and transport sector is electrifying rapidly. We see new types of industrial investments in battery factories and fossil-free steel production. Forecasts indicate a need that might double or even triple soon.

"The solution for Sweden's energy supply isn't just building more of what we have; we need new approaches. One aim of this project is to generate insights and build acceptance for necessary changes. Given how technology in the energy field is evolving right now, it's important that investments are made correctly and in technologies that have a future," says Filip Kjellgren.

For Sweden to manage this transition requires an understanding of its electrical system – where today's power needs lie, where electricity is produced today, where it could be produced tomorrow, and how power requirements will change.

"The challenge lies in the fact that currently these answers are scattered across many stakeholders, if they even exist," continues Filip Kjellgren: "For example, consider our grid companies: 170 separate entities each with a monopoly on their local market. Each knows its geographical area with models and forecasts. Our ambition, with funding from Vinnova and Västra Götalandsregionen, is to create both local and national overviews."

In its first year, the project focuses on power needs – visualizing where and how electricity is consumed across Sweden. Subsequently, aspects like production flexibility and storage will be incorporated into this visualization journey. Alongside this process, artificial intelligence will be utilized for creating models and forecasting tools.

"One thing we can see is that future systems must be resilient. Having more power generation close to consumption points makes us less vulnerable when it comes to weather or other types of crises or conflicts. To achieve this goal requires a more flexible electrical system where large consumers adjust based on current data – and here data and AI play pivotal roles," adds Filip Kjellgren: "However, this tool can only be as good as the information it's built upon; therefore we hope many stakeholders will share their data contributing towards collective benefit."

Göteborg Energi joins as another partner in this initiative with Ulf Hagman, Head of Strategy & Innovation:

Project participants include Volvo Group, LKAB, SSAB, Hitachi Energy, Göteborg Energi, Energiföretagen Sverige, LTU Business along with contributions from Boliden, Vattenfall, Lidköping Environment & Technology, Power Circle, SKGS, Energiforsk, and Chalmers providing data/knowledge support.

The project is financed by Vinnova and Västra Götalandsregionen.

"If together we successfully pivot Sweden’s energy system accordingly we lay down a radically improved foundation for Swedish welfare and competitive edge, but such discourse shouldn't revolve around just one wind turbine. We need commitment toward how our entire energy system could/should evolve – much like roads accepted infrastructure necessity so too should our energy systems," concludes Filip Kjellgren.

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