The goals for energy policy
The goals for Sweden´s energy policy is to secure the long-term and
short-term supply of electricity and other energy in internationally
competitive terms. Energy policy shall create the necessary conditions for
an efficient use of energy and a cost-effective supply of energy with a low
negative impact on health, environment and the climate, and facilitate the
transformation into an ecologically sustainable society. In this way a good
economic and social development in Sweden is furthered.
Energy policy shall contribute to the creation of stable conditions for a
competitive industry and for the renewal and development of Swedish
industry. Energy policy shall also contribute to an extended cooperation on
energy, environment and climate in the Baltic Sea region.
Sweden´s electricity supply shall be secured by means of an energy system
which is based on lasting, preferably indigenous and renewable, energy
sources and an efficient use of energy. Energy is to be used in the most
efficient way with regard to the total resource endowment. Strict standards
shall be applied with regard to safety, health and environmental care in
the use and development of all kinds of energy technology. Nuclear power is
to be replaced by energy conservation, conversion to renewable energ y
sources and electricity production technology that is environmentally
acceptable. The use of fossil fuels should be kept at a low level. Natural
gas is the most advantageous fossil fuel and the existing natural gas grid
should be utilized. The National rivers and the river sections which have
been excluded by Parliament from exploitation will continue to be protected
in the future.
Secure supplies of electricity at a reasonable price are important
pre-requisites for the competitiveness of Swedish industry. Energy policy
shall be designed so as to maintain this prerequisite. Increased production
and economic activity are imperatives for employment and consequently for
our future prosperity. On the basis of the policy for economic growth which
has been adopted by Parliament, electricity consumption needed for
industrial production should be allowed to increase during the next decade.
A n efficient use of energy shall be promoted in industry as well as in
other sectors of society.
The phasing-out of nuclear power and the transformation of the energy
system
In 1980 Parliament stated (prop. 1979/80:170, NU 70, rskr. 410) that
nuclear power should be phased out at a pace which is compatible with the
need for the electrical power necessary to maintain employment and
prosperity. Furthermore, Parliament stated that it should be established
that the last nuclear reactor in Sweden should be closed down by the year
2010.
In 1991 Parliament adopted guidelines for energy policy (prop. 1990/91:88,
bet. 1990/91:NU40, rskr. 1990/91:373). The energy system shall be developed
by employing and maintaining cleaner and more environmentally friendly
technology for supply, transformation, distribution and use. This is to be
done on the basis of high cost-effectiveness. The beginning and the pace of
the phasing-out of nuclear power should be determined on the basis of the
results of the energy efficiency improvements, the supply of el ectricity
from environmentally acceptable power production and the possibilities to
maintain internationally competitive electricity prices.
A strategy for the continued transformation of the energy system is now
laid down. It concerns in particular electricity production and a more
efficient use of energy. The goal is that the energy system shall become
ecologically and economically sustainable. Energy supply shall to a
dominant part be based on renewable energy sources.
The guidelines for energy policy, as agreed in 1991, should be maintained.
Both economic and environmental considerations indicate that the
transformation and development of the energy system should take place
during a period which is long enough to make it possible to achieve the
goals set out in 1991. Problems will occur with regard to employment,
prosperity, competitiveness and the environment, if all nuclear power
production is to be phased out by 2010. According to the Parties, no fixed
date should be set for the closing down of the last nuclear plant.Thereby,
a sufficiently long period is granted for the transformation of the energy
system. The transformation shall therefore start as soon as possible.
2. Nuclear power
In the following, a description is given by the measures which are to be
undertaken in order to make possible a closing down of the first reactor by
1st of July, 1998, by the latest, and the second reactor by, at latest, 1st
of July 2001.
A proposal for a law on the decommissioning of nuclear power plants should
be submitted to Parliament in 1997, early enough to allow for a entry into
force by 1st of January, 1998. The law should prescribe that permits to
operate nuclear reactors in order to produce nuclear energy can be revoked
by the government. Such decisions should be made on the basis that the
reactors should be closed down in the order and at those points in time
which are most beneficial in view of Parliament´s decision on the trans
formation of the energy system and its implementation. The criteria should
also imply that the decommissioning should start with those reactors which
are least appropriate from a localization point of view.
The localization of the Barsebäck plant is inappropriate. Negotiations are
to be opened with the owner of the Barsebäck plant on a closing down of a
reactor before July 1, 1998, and a second reactor before July 1, 2001. The
government will, immediately after the entry into force of the law, make a
decision on the closing down of the nuclear reactors Barsebäck 1 and
Barsebäck 2. A precondition for the closing down of the second reactor is
that the resulting loss of electricity production can be compensated
through new electricity production and a reduction of the use of
electricity.
Vattenfall AB is to assist in making it possible to close down the
Barsebäck plant according to the agreed schedule. Vattenfall will be
assigned the task to, as one of its major duties, contribute actively to
the transformation of the energy system. Following the government´s
contacts with the main owners of Sydkraft, our understanding is that it is
possible to close down the first reactor by July 1, 1998.
Measures are undertaken in the coming years, in order to compensate for the
loss of electricity from the two reactors through more efficient use of
electricity, conversion from electricity to other forms of energy, energy
conservation and supply from other energy sources.
The necessary conditions are to be created in order to utilize the existing
natural gas grid more efficiently.
A new long-term programme for transformation of the energy system is being
implemented for the development of an ecologically sustainable energy
supply. The programme aims at developing new energy technology for supply
and conservation of electricity and other forms of energy.
The purpose is to realize an ecologically and economically sustainable
energy supply which is to a dominant part based on renewable energy
sources. The aim is also to provide Swedish industry and the society as a
whole with electricity from ecologically sustainable energy sources at
internationally competitive prices. Sweden should essentially be
self-sufficient with regard to electricity.
Through the closing down of two reactors and by the implementation of the
long-term programme, good conditions are created for new competitive
alternatives for electricity production to be successively introduced into
the Swedish energy system. In this way, the continued transformation
towards an ecologically sustainable society can be realized at reasonable
costs.
New electricity production capacity and a reduction in the use of
electricity are prerequisites for the phasing-out of additional reactors.
After the closing down of the Barsebäck plant, an assessment is to be
carried out with regard to the development of electricity prices,
investments, environmental effects, employment and the distribution of
incomes, as well as the effects on the functioning of the electricity
market etc. The effects of the energy policy programme shall be evaluated
and, together with t he experiences gained from the closing down of the
reactors in Barsebäck, form the basis for future decisions on the continued
transformation.
Before the end of the next election period decisions are to be taken on
the realization of the continued closing down of nuclear reactors.
3. A programme for an ecologically sustainable energy system
Short-term measures to reduce the use of electricity and to add new
productive capacity
Special measures are to be undertaken in order to reduce electricity use
and to realize an expansion of heat and power production based on renewable
energy sources. The total outcome is expected to correspond to the annual
production of electricity at the Barsebäck plant.
The measures include a reduction in the use of disconnectable electric
boilers in the district heating system, measures for conversion and
reduction of the power requirements in buildings with resistant electric
heating systems, increased connection to district heating, an increased
supply of new electricity production from renewable energy sources partly
through an investment support scheme and technology procurement. Special
efforts are made in order to develop the production of heat and power
production in the south of Sweden.
Energy conservation is to be supported by means of information, advisory
services and training in the efficient use of energy, and by the testing of
products, equipment and energy systems. Advisory services in the
municipalities and the training of e.g. municpal advisers shall be funded
through state support. The market introduction of new, energy-efficient
technology shall be accelerated by means of technology procurement. It is
vital that also the industrial sector is embraced by the measures for a
more efficient use of energy.
Methods are to be developed in order to make it possible to assess the
efficiency and the results of the energy policy programmes. This is a task
for the new energy authority.
A long-term programme for an ecologically sustainable energy system
A new energy policy programme is being introduced for research, development
and the demonstration of ecologically and economically sustainable supply,
transformation, distribution and use of energy. Cooperation between the
state, industry and the research society is necessary.
The main purpose of the programme is to reduce the costs for utilizing
renewable sources of energy, so that these can to a larger extent be used
as economically viable alternatives to fossil fuels. Technical development
and market development should be supported simultaneously. The measures
should be directed primarily towards an increased use of biofuels, but also
to technology related to wind power and hydro-electric power, heat storage
techniques etc. In the longer term, the measures should also embrace
technology for fuel cells and batteries, artificial photo-synthesis, as
well as solar cells and solar heating within the framework of the energy
research programme.
Energy conservation should be promoted primarily by technology development,
information and training, measures to reduce the use of electricity for
domestic and operational use in buildings and measures for increased energy
efficiency in industry. Efficient global solutions should be promoted
through system studies and through increased knowledge on the
interrelationship between energy, the environment and economic growth.
Funding of the programme
The programme for energy policy which the Parties have agreed upon will
entail an overall need for state funding of some 9 billion Sw.Crs during a
period of seven years. The programmes are to be fully financed.The agreeing
Parties should agree on appropriate mechanisms for funding.
4. The role of the State
A new, ecologically and economically viable, energy system is to be
developed. Sweden´s electricity supply should continue to be based mainly
on indiginously produced electricity.
The most important task for the State during the transformation period is
to provide the framework within which undertakings and consumers are to
act.
The state ownership of around half of the electricity production capacity
through Vattenfall AB is an important asset. The main task of Vattenfall is
to, with due regard to commercial principles, contribute to a Swedish
supply of electricity which is ecologically and economically sustainable,
and which provides industry and the rest of society with electricity at
competitive prices. Resources which have been created within Vattenfall
shall be used for the development of new technology for electricity produ
ction and for investments needed for the transformation.
This alteration of Vattenfall´s role should be expressed in the
Parliamentary guidelines concerning Vattenfall´s activities. Vattenfall AB
should remain state-owned.
A new central energy authority is to be set up by 1 January 1998 at the
latest, with responsibility for authority powers in the energy field. The
authority will be assigned responsibility for carrying out the greater part
of the energy policy programme, and will be given coordinating
responsibility for the transformation measures. The new authority shall
monitor the realization of the programme and provide the basis for an
assessment of the measures and for the report of the effects of the closing
down of the reactors in Barsebäck.
Affärsverket Svenska kraftnät (The National Grid Company) has the system
responsibility for the Swedish electricity system. Svenska kraftnät also
owns the major part of the international interconnectors, and has
coordinating responsibility for foreign trade in electricity. The company
has the central task of monitoring the significance of foreign trade for
Swedish security of supply. To mitigate imbalances in the trade in
electricity between the open Swedish market and the more closed markets of
the rest o f Europe, state control should be strenghtened. The leading
principle shall be that the state, through Svenska kraftnät, should own and
administer future international interconnectors. Only Svenska kraftnät
should be allowed to be granted concessions for future international
interconnectors.
Statens kärnkraftsinspektion (SKI, the Nuclear Power Inspectorate) and
Statens strålskyddsinstitut (SSI, the Swedish Radiation Protection
Institute) are responsible for the tasks of monitoring nuclear safety and
radiation protection. The closing down of the reactors at Barsebäck will
initially call for increased efforts by SKI and SSI. The authorities should
be provided with extra financial resources in order to monitor safety at
the nuclear enterprise during the completion of the closing down process.
It is of vital importance to keep up and strengthen the resources of the
safety authorities in a long-term perspective, in order to maintain public
control. The demands for the monitoring activities of SKI will increase
when the planning of the final deposition of nuclear waste is successively
transformed into concrete measures. SSI will also, to an increasing extent,
be involved in this work.
These authorities must have at their disposal special resources in order to
maintain and employ special competence in this field. The public control
and the State´s overall responsibility for nuclear safety has to be
maintained. The reinforcement of the resources deemed necessary should be
financed by means of higher fees for the nuclear enterprises.
5. Atomic liability
The Swedish Act on Atomic Liability (1968:45) is based on international
conventions. According to the law, if the economic compensation provided
for by the law or by the convention system is not sufficient to fully cover
the damage which has occurred, additional compensation can be granted
through the state budget. No particular level of compensation is
guaranteed, however.
The Parties are in agreement that the liability of compensation for the
plant owners should be increased. The issue of increased liability for the
nucler power companies is at present being studied by the Swedish Cabinet
Office and the Ministries, and a proposal for a revised legislation is
under way. The government intends to, during the current year, submit a
Bill to Parliament on changes to the Act on Atomic Liability, aiming at an
increased liability for the nuclear enterprises.
6.Extended cooperation on energy, the environment and the climate among the
countries around the Baltic Sea
A well-functioning and environmentally designed energy supply is of
fundamental importance for economi and social development in the Baltic Sea
region. There is a large potential for cost-effective measures with regard
to energy conservation, carbon dioxide emissions, acidification and nuclear
saftey. The new situation in the Baltic Sea region gives Sweden the
opportunity to actively participate in the development of a new energy
system around the Baltic Sea. This will be beneficial to both our country
and the other countries in the region.
Since the reform process in the Central and East European countries began
at the end of the 1980´s, Sweden´s cooperation with those countries has
formed an important part of Swedish foreign and security policy. It is of
considerable interest to Sweden that the nations of Central and Eastern
Europe can complete the present restructuring of their societies, and
become integrated parts of a European community.
Parliament has granted one billion Sw.Crs. in order to develop the
cooperation in the Baltic Sea region. A number of concrete projects are
under way in the energy field. Sweden cooperates closely with both other
countries of the region and international financial institutions.
An improved energy infrastructure in the Baltic Sea region would
effectively contribute to an improved security of supply in Sweden and the
rest of Europe. Sweden will actively engage in an integration of the
national energy systems in the Nordic countries and the Baltic Sea region.
It is of great interest to Sweden to reduce the risks connected with
nuclear power in the Baltic states and Eastern Europe, and to develop an
energy system around the Baltic Sea which is secure, well dimensioned and
ecologically sustainable. A programme for energy efficiency, conversion and
measures to improve the environmental conditions in plants for electricity
and heat production around the Baltic Sea is an important factor in the
cooperation. These measures also form a strategic element in Sweden´s cl
imate policy.
The efforts to improve nuclear safety in, inter alia, Russia and the Baltic
states should be continued. SKI channels the Swedish support to nuclear
safety in the Baltic States and Eastern Europe. The work to improve nuclear
safety in these countries, which is sponsored by many countries, is of the
utmost importance for safety in our neighbourhood. The purpose of the
actions is above all to remedy apparent safety deficiencies in reactors
which, from an energy supply point of view, cannot be closed down inst
antly, and to strengthen the work of independent safety authorities in
their work in calling for improvements and monitoring safety at these
reactors. It is important that this work continues.
7. Climate policy within the field of energy
Emissions of carbon dioxide emerging from the combustion of fossil fuels
affect the climate. Therefore it is vital to the largest extent possible to
avoid fossil fuel combustion. This can be achieved through active measures
for energy conservation and through the utilization of renewable sources of
energy. Among the different fossil fuels available, natural gas gives rise
to the lowest emissions of carbon dioxide.
The Swedish climate policy measures in the energy field have been centered
on the following areas: On the one hand research, development and
utilization in Sweden of energy-efficient technology for conservation and
use of renewable energy sources, and on the other hand measures for
increased energy efficiency and conversion to renewable energy sources in
the Baltic States and Eastern Europe.
In spring 1993, Parliament adopted guidelines for the Swedish climate
policy (prop. 1992/93:JoU19, rskr. 1992/93:361). A national strategy was
laid down, implying that emissions of carbon dioxide from fossil fuels
should be stabilized at the 1990 level by the year 2000, and should be
further reduced thereafter, and that climate policy must be formulated in
an international perspective and in the context of international
cooperation.
The measures undertaken so far under the Climate Convention have proved to
be unsufficient to achieve the aims of the Convention. Negotiations on
further commitments and measures are now being held, with a time horizon
beyond the turn of the century. Successful international cooperation
presupposes an equitable distribution of commitments and costs. The
differing points of departure and the conditions in the individual
countries should, as well as the principle of a cost-effective distribution
of measures according to the Climate Convention, be taken into account when
determining the commitments within the framework of the Convention. Due
regard should be taken, inter alia, to measures already undertaken and per
capita emissions of gases which affect the climate.
Sweden should carry out cost-effective measures internationally as well as
nationally. The demands for an equitable distribution of the cost
responsibility and of cost-effectiveness have to be maintained. The Swedish
climate strategy should be drawn up in such a way that the emissions of
carbon dioxide in Sweden are limited to the greatest extent possible, with
due regard to competitiveness, employment and prosperity. Production and
use of alternative fuels shall be supported as parts of the efforts to red
uce environmentally harmful emissions from the transportation sector.
The development towards an internationalized electricity market makes it
necessary to coordinate to the greatest extent possible measures against
emissions from electricity production. Sweden should make efforts to reduce
emissions from sectors which are exposed to international competition, such
as the energy-intensive industry.
Sweden should, as a member of the European Union, work towards a common
climatic policy and should actively promote international cooperation in
the climatic field. In particular, Sweden should engage in the development
of efficient policy means within the framework och the climate policy of EU
and the Framework Convention on Climatic Change. Sweden should also
cooperate with other countries in the way envisaged by the Climate
Comvention, through so called joint implementation. Sweden should promote
the ad option of targets implying reductions of emissions after the turn of
the century and leading to stabilization of primarily carbon dioxide
concentration at a level that would prevent serious climate change.
8. Energy taxation
Energy taxation shall create favourable conditions for the international
competitiveness of Swedish industry. It shall be economically profitable to
invest in the production of goods and services in Sweden, and it shall also
be advantageous to invest in ecological energy technology, for example for
efficient use of energy. The production tax on nuclear power shall be
designed according to these principles.
The taxation system should provide driving forces for energy conservation
and conversion to renewable energy sources, while not negatively affecting
the international competitiveness of the Swedish industry. The taxation
scheme should encourage electricity production based on renewable energy
sources. The environmental advantages of natural gas, as compared to oil
and coal, shall be reflected.
back to top of page...
