COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT Country Factsheet Sweden Accompanying the document COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE, THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS AND THE EUROPEAN INVESTMENT BANK State of the Energy Union
Date: 2015-11-18
Institutions: European Commission, Secretariat-General
Subjects: Sweden, competitiveness, economic and social cohesion, electrical energy, energy policy, gas, innovation, reduction of gas emissions, regional cooperation, single market

EN 

   EN 

   EUROPEAN COMMISSION  Brussels, 18.11.2015  SWD(2015) 240 final   COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT Country Factsheet Sweden Accompanying the document COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE, THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS AND THE EUROPEAN INVESTMENT BANK State of the Energy Union  {COM(2015) 572} {SWD(2015) 208 à 209} {SWD(2015) 217 à 239} {SWD(2015) 241 à 243}  
 
 
Towards an Energy Union  
         Sweden 

Macroeconomic relevance of energy 

IMPORTANCE OF THE ENERGY SECTOR 

The  value  added  of  the  energy  sector  in  Sweden  was  2.7%  in  2012,  which  is  higher  than  the  EU-
average. The share of the energy sector of the GVA has also remained relatively stable since 2005.  

Source: EUROSTAT – National Accounts 

According to EurObserv'ER, in 2013, the share 
of  direct  and 
indirect  renewable  energy 
related  employment  in  total  employment  of 
the  economy  in  Sweden  was  at  about  1.07%, 
above the EU average of 0.53%. 

Source:  European  Commission,  based  on  EurObserv'ER  and 
EUROSTAT 

TRADE BALANCE OF ENERGY PRODUCTS 

Sweden  has  negative  energy  trade  balance,  and  is  dependent on import of  fossil fuels.  The overall 
energy trade deficit amounted to 1.7 % in 2006, which had fallen slightly to 1.4% of GDP in 2014. This 
change is mainly due the weather related net flow of the electricity trade in the corresponding year. 
In terms of the overall current account, Sweden is recording surpluses amounting to 6.8% of GDP in 
2014. 

0.00.40.81.21.62.02.42.820052012SEEU27Value added of energy sector% of grossvalue added (total economy) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Towards an Energy Union - Sweden 

Source: EUROSTAT 
Note: Current account balance for EU28 from European Commission (AMECO) 

1. Energy Security, solidarity and trust 

ENERGY MIX 

The energy mix of Sweden differs substantially from the one of the EU-28 average and most other 
Member  States,  with  much  higher  share  of  nuclear  and  renewable  energy  in  both  electricity  and 
heating.  Compared  to  1995,  the  share  of  renewable  energy  increased  more  than  the  EU  average 
(from 25% to 34% of gross inland consumption; the share of renewables in final energy consumption 
is substantially higher, see section 4), while the share of gases increased twofold, from 1 to 2%. The 
main  decrease  concerns  the  use  of  solid  fuels  and  petroleum  and  products  (1  and  9  percentage 
points respectively). The transition to an energy system less dependent on fossil fuels started several 
decades ago, with transport remaining the only sector that is highly dependent on fossil fuels. This is 
largely due to the developments of bioenergy, which has driven the transition away from fossil fuels 
in heating in particular. 

Gross inland energy consumption in 2013  

Source: European Commission, based on EUROSTAT  

IMPORT DEPENDENCY 

Since 2005, energy import dependency1 decreased in Sweden, contrary to the trend in EU-28. Most 
significant decreases concern solid fuels, while the import dependency for petroleum products and 

1   Note: A dependency rate in excess of 100% indicates that energy products have been stocked. 

2 

-4-20246810SEEU28% of GDPCoalOilElectricityGasC. A. BalanceTrade balance of energy product and currentaccount balance, 2006 -4-20246810SEEU28% of GDPCoalOilElectricityGasC. A. BalanceTrade balance of energy product and currentaccount balance, 2014  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                 
Towards an Energy Union - Sweden 

natural  gas  remained  at  100%.  Sweden  imports  all  its  natural  gas  from  Denmark2.  Sweden  has 
however domestic production of biogas (some 1.7 TWh). Overall the country supplier concentration 
index  is  above  EU  average.  The  energy  trade  deficit  (expressed  as  percentage  of  GDP)  is  lower  in 
Sweden than for most EU countries.  

Source: European Commission, based on EUROSTAT  

2. A fully-integrated internal energy market 

INTERCONNECTIONS 

The interconnection capacity for electricity was 26% in 2014 for 
Sweden, well beyond the 2020 and 2030 targets of 10 and 15%. 
The  implementation  of  Projects  of  Common  Interest  ("PCI") 
until  2020  will  further  increase  this  level.  The  Nordbalt  project 
will  interconnect  Sweden  and  Lithuania  through  a  submarine 
cable.  Its  commissioning  is  foreseen  for  the  turn  of  the  year 
2015/16.  Sweden is also developing an internal over-head line 
connecting Ekhyddan to Nybro/Hemsjö. This line  would ensure 
the safe operation of the NordBalt interconnector and maintain 
the  grid  transfer  capacity.  The  commissioning  is  foreseen  for 
2023. 
Gas plays only a marginal role in Sweden: and all gas is supplied 
via one interconnector with Denmark. However, the risk of gas 
supply disruption is not very high because Swedish gas network 
functions  as  prolongation  of  the  Danish  system  and  relies  on 
storage,  mainly  in  Denmark,  to  balance  seasonal  demand 
fluctuations.  However  several  new  LNG  terminals  are  planned, 
including  one  in  Gothenburg  (labelled  as  a  PCI)  which  would 
contribute  to  flexibility  for  the  Swedish  gas  market. 
Its 
commissioning is foreseen for 2018. 

Source: European Commission based on 
ENTSO-E scenario outlook and adequacy 
forecast 2014 
Note:  Reference  to  2030  target  is  based 
on  October  2014  European  Council 
conclusions  stating  that  "the  Commission 
will also report regularly to the European 
Council with the objective of arriving at a 
15% target by 2030" 

2  

Top non-EU gas suppliers table is based on EUROSTAT data. The share of imports from non-EU countries is calculated 
as the ratio between volumes of imports from that specific non-EU supplier and total imports  (from EU and non-EU 
countries). 

3 

Top non-EU gas suppliers in 2013 (% in total imports)SwedenEuropean Union country[%]country[%]-Russia39.0Norway29.5Algeria9.7Qatar6.737%32%104%101%100%100%52%53%82%87%57%65%200520132005201320052013All fuelsPetroleum andproductsNatural gasSEEU28Import dependency 2013 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                 
Towards an Energy Union - Sweden 

ELECTRICITY AND GAS MARKETS 

Market concentration index for power generation 
(left) and gas supply (right) (2013) (Herfindahl index 
– 10000 means monopoly) 

Sources: European Commission based on ESTAT, CEER and 
Platts Power Vision 

Sources:ESTAT and European Commission Calculations 

The  Swedish  electricity  market  is  part  of  the  integrated  Nordic  power  market.  In  2012,  electricity 
production  was  dominated  by  three  companies,  together  controlling  79%  of  the  generation. 
However,  due  to  the  connection  with  Nord  Pool,  the  actual  number  of  players  active  on  the 
wholesale  market  is  higher.  Regarding  gas  markets,  at  wholesale  level,  two  operators  are  active. 
There is no wholesale market hub as all gas is imported. 
Wholesale gas and electricity prices are both below EU average.  
Sweden  has  the  most  nationwide  electricity  suppliers  of  any  Member  State  (1233).  Retail  market 
concentration is low for both electricity and gas and is characterised by a high level of competition. 
The  final  retail  electricity  price  correlates  well  with  the  wholesale  spot  market  price,  and  retail 
electricity prices for both households and industry are below the EU average, while retail prices for 
gas are amongst the highest in the EU.  
The switching rate for electricity consumers is well above the EU average, suggesting a dynamic retail 
market  in  Sweden4.  The  switching  rate  for  gas  is  low,  in  part  explained  by  the  small  size  and 
geographic  scope  of  the  gas  market.  Swedish  Distribution  System  Operators  have  been  obliged  to 
provide  monthly  meter  readings  to  households  and  hourly  readings  to  industrial  customers  since 
2009.  Since  October  2012  Distribution  System  Operators  are  obliged  to  provide  hourly  meter 
readings to households requesting them. 

CONTRIBUTION OF ENERGY TO CONSUMER PRICE EVOLUTION 

The  inflation  has  overall  been  lower  in  Sweden  than  on  average  in  the  EU  over  the  observed 
period, and prices have fallen gradually since 2010. This development has also been underpinned 
by a falling contribution of energy prices to the price developments.   

http://www.ei.se/sv/elpriskollen/elbolag/.  
10th Consumer Markets Scoreboard (June 2014),   

3  
4  
http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/consumer_evidence/consumer_scoreboards/10_edition/index_en.htm 

4 

-10123420052007200920112013% increase on a year earlierNon EnergyEnergyAll itemsSweden : Price evolution & the contribution of energy prices-10123420052007200920112013% increase on a year earlierNon EnergyEnergyAll itemsEU28 : Price evolution & the contribution of energy prices 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                 
Towards an Energy Union - Sweden 

Source: DG ECFIN based on Eurostat 

VULNERABLE CONSUMERS 

 Source: European Commission, based on on EUROSTAT SILC survey 

living 

Based  on  a  EUROSTAT  survey  on  income 
three  proxy 
and 
conditions, 
indicators  are  used  to  consider 
fuel 
poverty. They  indicate  that  while  present, 
the  problem  is  quite  limited  in  Sweden. 
Since  2011,  there 
is  a  definition  of 
vulnerable  consumers  within  the  national 
legislation.  This  category  of  consumer  is 
protected  in  the  Swedish  electricity  and 
gas  markets  by  social  legislation  giving 
consumer  the  right  to  receive  assistance 
with  their  payment  of  electricity  and 
natural  gas  supplies  as  part  of  a  broader 
approach to ensure social protection. 

3. Energy Efficiency and moderation of energy demand 

ENERGY EFFICIENCY TARGET 2020  
(43.4 Mtoe primary energy and 30.3 Mtoe final energy) 

Sweden’s  2020  energy  efficiency 
target  is  43.4  Mtoe  expressed  in 
primary  energy  consumption  (30.3 
Mtoe  expressed 
in  final  energy 
consumption).  Both  primary  and 
final  energy  consumption  show 
clear  signs  of  decoupling  from  GDP 
with  a  flat  or  even  decreasing 
development  over  the  last  decade. 
energy 
Sweden’s 
in 
consumption  was  47.1  Mtoe 
2013. 
further 
measures  depends  on  whether  one 
or  more  nuclear  reactors  are  shut 
down before 2020. 

The  need 

primary 

for 

 Source:  European  Commission,  based  on  EUROSTAT  and  on  national  energy 

efficiency targets as declared by the MS under the Energy Efficiency Directive 

ENERGY INTENSITY 

Primary energy intensity in Sweden is in line with EU average, and has decreased at a similar pace 
since 2005. Energy intensity in the industrial sector remains above EU average primarily due to a 
relatively higher share of energy intensive industry.  

5 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Towards an Energy Union - Sweden 

Primary energy intensity of the economy       

Final energy intensity in industry 

Source: European Commission based on  EUROSTAT 

Source:  European  Commission  based  on    EUROSTAT  and  European 
Commission/AMECO 

Specific  energy  consumption  by  households  is  above  EU  average  driven  by  high  demand  for  space 
heating  and  decreased  at  a  similar  pace  than  the  EU  average.  At  the  same  time,  Sweden  has 
decreased the use of fossil fuels for heating purposes drastically over the last decades, resulting in 
significantly  lower  CO2  emissions.  The  specific  energy  intensity  of  passenger  cars  only  slightlty 
decreased  between  2005  and  2010,  and  remains  above  EU  average  due  to  a  preference  for  larger 
and less fuel-efficient cars. The specific energy intensity for freight transport has slightly decreased 
between 2005-2010.  

Final  energy  consumption  per  m2  in 
residential sector, climate corrected5 

Specific energy intensity for passenger cars and freight transport6  

Source: European Commission based on  Odyssee 

database 

Source:  PRIMES  model  background  data  and  estimations  based  on  EU  Commission 
and EU MS inputs   

EU legislation sets mandatory CO2 emission reduction targets for new cars and vans. By 2021, the 
fleet average to be achieved by all new cars is 95 grams of CO2 per kilometre. For new vans, the fleet 
average is set at 147 g/km by 2020. 

Source: European Environmental Agency. 2014 values are provisional. 2013 EU average refers to EU-27. 

5  

6  

Sweden has a more restrictive measure for calculating the surface of residential housing than in some other Member 
States, impacting the figure for energy consumption per m2. 
Statistics  on  energy  demand  for  passengers  and  freight  transport  are  not  available  and  model  estimates  have  been 
used instead. These issues should be borne in mind when comparing energy intensity in freight or passenger transport 
between Member States, which should be regarded as merely indicative. 

6 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                 
Towards an Energy Union - Sweden 

Regarding transport performance, in EU-28 the inland freight modal shares are 71% by road, 17% by 
rail, 7% by inland waterways and 5% by pipelines. The respective inland passenger modal shares are 
82% by private car, 9% by buses and coaches, 7% by railways and 2% by tram and metro.  Compared 
to the European average, Sweden reports a higher use of rail in freight transport. 

Modal shares Sweden 

Source: Eurostat and EU transport in figures 2015. Data refers to 2013. Modal shares based on tonne-kilometres for freight sector and 
passenger-kilometres for passenger sector, freight data based on activity within country territory. Estimates are made when data is missing. 

4. Decarbonisation of the economy 

NON-ETS GHG EMISSION REDUCTION TARGET 2020  
(-17% by 2020 as compared to 2005 in the non-ETS sector) 

Sweden  has  decreased  its  emissions  by 
24% between 2005 and 2014. 
According  to  its  2015  projections,  Sweden 
is on track to reach its 2020 target, with an 
11%  margin  between 
the  projected 
emissions  and  its  target  as  compared  to 
2005.  

Non-ETS 
Emissions (vs. 
2005) 
Projections with 
existing measures 
2020 
Proxy 2014 

Projections/proxy 

target 

-28% 

-17% 

-24% 

-8% 

Source:  European  Commission    based  on  EEA.  Based  on  preliminary 
inventory data. 
ESD  (Effort  Sharing  Decision)  emissions  are  the  emissions  from  sectors 

not covered by the EU ETS. 

7 

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Towards an Energy Union - Sweden 

RENEWABLE ENERGY SHARE TARGET 2020 (49%) 

Source: European Commission based on  EUROSTAT 

relatively  mature 

With a renewable energy share of 52% in 2013, 
Sweden  already  exceeded  its  target  of  49%  in 
2020.  
The  main  measure  to  increase  the  share  of 
renewable  energy 
is  a  certificate  system 
established together with Norway, which favours 
renewable 
low-cost  and 
technologies,  which  results  in  a  relatively  low 
impact  on  electricity  prices.  The  volumes 
covered  by  the  certificate  system  will  increase, 
while  the  support  for  offshore  wind  will  be 
strengthened. 
Sweden  is  one  of  the  few  Member  States  that 
have  already  reached  the  10%  2020  target  for 
renewables in transport. Data from the Swedish 
authorities  show  that  the  share  was  18.7%  in 
2014. 

GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSION INDICATORS 

 

In  Sweden  the  transport  sector  is  the  largest  in  terms  of  share  of  total  emissions.  This  is 
partly  explained  by  the  very  limited  use  of  fossil  fuels  in  other  parts  of  the  economy. 
However,  Sweden  is  the  country  with  the  highest  use  of  renewable  energy  in  fuel 
consumption in transport. 

  GHG  emissions  from  electricity  generation  and  heating  are  very  low,  due  to  a  significant 

reduction of the use of fossil fuels in those sectors over the last decades. 

  The carbon intensity of the economy in 2013 was the lowest in the EU, and 44% lower than 
the EU average, as a result of the energy mix (e.g. due to the high share of renewables).  
In 2014, the revenues from the auctioning of ETS allowances amounted to almost EUR 33.6 
million,  out  of  which  56%  are  used  or  planned  to  be  used  for  energy  and  climate  related 
purposes. 

 

Largest Sectors of GHG 
Emissions in 2012 (*) 

Energy/power industry  

Transport 

Industry  

Agriculture (incl. forestry & 
fishery) 

Residential & Commercial 

Waste  

SE 

19% 

33% 

26% 

16% 

3% 

3% 

EU 
Average 

33% 

20% 

19% 

12% 

13% 

3% 

GHG Emissions 

SE 

EU 

EU ETS  auctioning 
revenues in 2014 (EUR 
millions) 

Share of ETS emissions 
in 2013 

GHG emissions/capita 
(tCO2equivalent) in 
2013 

Carbon intensity of 
the economy in 2013 
(tCO2equivalent/(EUR 
millions) 

33.6 

3205 

37% 

42% 

5.8 

8.5 

146 

328 

Source: European Commission  based on EEA 
(*) Sectoral breakdown for 2013 data not available 

ENERGY & TRANSPORT TAXATION 

Energy and transport related taxes as a share of GDP is somewhat higher than the EU-average. This is 

8 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Towards an Energy Union - Sweden 

mainly explained by a high tax burden on electricity and heating fuels, while in fact both the taxation 
on transport fuel and on transport vehicles is above average. The overall tax burden has fallen since 
2005, possibly reflecting both the growth of GDP and the pursued climate and energy policy. 

Source: Eurostat 

5. Research, innovation and competitiveness 

RESEARCH AND INNOVATION 

Sweden is near the EU average, above the US and below Japan and South Korea with regard to the 
share of energy and environment in public support to research and innovation. In terms of intensity 
of low-carbon technologies patents, Sweden performs better than most of the EU countries and main 
worldwide partners.  

Source: European Commission based on  EUROSTAT   

9 

0.01.02.03.0SEEU-28Energy & Transport related taxes % of GDP, 2005TransportvehiclesTransport fuelHeat &Electricity0.01.02.03.0SEEU-28Energy & Transport related taxes % of GDP, 2012TransportvehiclesTransport fuelHeat &Electricity 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Towards an Energy Union - Sweden 

COMPETITIVENESS 

The real unit energy costs7 have remained lower in 
Sweden than in the EU, while it is now higher than 
in the US. This reflects that the energy intensity8 of 
Sweden's  manufacturing  sector  is  slightly  higher 
than  the  EU  average,  but  lower  compared  to  the 
US, while real energy prices have increased from a 
low level in the last ten years. 
Sweden  experiences  the  lowest  electricity  prices 
paid by industrial customers in the EU. Such prices 
are  also  lower  than  the  OECD  average  and  only 
slightly  higher  than  the  US.  Conversely,  gas  prices 
paid  by  industrial  customers  are  higher  than  EU 
and OECD averages. 

 Real unit energy costs (% of value added) 

Source: European Commission 

Source: European Commission based on EUROSTAT and IEA 

6. Post-2020 Energy and Climate policy Strategy  

COMPREHENSIVE MEDIUM TO LONG-TERM STRATEGY (post-2020) 
FOR CLIMATE AND ENERGY 

 

  The  2009  Sustainable  Energy  and  Climate  Policy  for  the  Environment,  Competitiveness  and 
Long-term  Stability  focuses  on 2020,  but includes  some objectives  for  post-2020,  such as  a 
long-term  priority  for  the  vehicle  fleet  to  be  independent  of  fossil  fuels  by  2030,  a  2050 
vision  for  GHG  emissions,  reduction  of  dependence  on  nuclear  power  and  hydropower  by 
developing  renewable  electricity  from  cogeneration,  wind  power  and  other  renewable 
power production and improvements in energy efficiency. 
Sweden  has  set  up  Parliamentary  Commission  including  all  relevant  parties  in  the  Swedish 
Parliament,  chaired  by  the  Energy  Minister.  It  is  tasked  to  propose  new  guidelines  for 
Sweden´s energy policy post 2025 by early 2017 
Several  steps  have  been  taken  by  Sweden  or  are  underway  to  prepare  a  low-carbon 
development strategy for 2050, such as the appointment by the Government of a Committee 
to develop a strategy for implementing the vision of zero net emissions in 2050 (results work 
expected in February 2017). 

 

7  
8  

This indicator measures the amount of money spent on energy sources needed to obtain one unit of value added. 
The  energy  intensity  presented  here  is  derived  from  Use  Tables  of  WIOD,  see  "Energy  Economic  Developments  in 
Europe SWD(2014)19". 

10 

6.39.58.210.513.28.810.413.78.00246810121416SEEU27US200020092011 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                 
Towards an Energy Union - Sweden 

NATIONAL TARGETS, especially for 2030 

Comments 
No  targets  but  a  vision  of  'no  net  emissions'  of 
greenhouse gases 
Strategy  includes  as  priority  that  the  vehicle  fleet  will 
be independent from fossil fuels by 2030 

Objective, 2030-2050 
GHG reduction  

Targets 
No 

Renewable energy  

No 

Energy 
savings 

Efficiency 

/ 

No 

7.Regional cooperation 

Sweden  is  a  member  of  two  Regional  Groups  which  have  been  established  under  the  TEN-E 
Regulation to optimise regional cooperation on infrastructure development: the Baltic Energy Market 
Interconnection  Plan  (BEMIP)  Regional  Groups  for  electricity  and  gas.  Sweden  also  takes  part  in 
North Seas Countries Offshore Grid Initiative. 

EU  Member  States  cooperation  in  the  energy  sector  in  the  Baltic  Sea  region  has  brought  many 
benefits  for  the  participating  countries.  The  work  and  achievements  within  the  framework  of  the 
Baltic  Energy  Market  Interconnection  Plan  (BEMIP)  agreed  in  June  2009  and  with  subsequent 
amendments  in  2011  and  2013  respectively  proved  that  enhanced  regional  cooperation  can  be  a 
catalyst for positive developments both in energy infrastructure projects or market related aspects. 
The  MoU  on  reinforced  BEMIP  was  signed  on  8  June  2015  with  the  overall  goal  to  ensure  further 
market and system integration of the Baltic States into European Continental network and ensure its 
full market functioning also strengthening the organisational structure of the BEMIP. The new MoU 
and Action Plan also foresees regional  cooperation in new  energy policy areas, including electricity 
and gas markets, security of supply, power generation, renewable energy and energy efficiency. 

Sweden is part of the Nordic wholesale electricity market, which includes the Nord Pool spot market, 
and cooperates with its Nordic neighbours on the advanced integration of energy markets of Finland, 
Sweden, Denmark and Norway.  

Sweden is the only EU Member State that has a formal cooperation with another state (Norway) to 
meet its 2020 target under the Renewable Energy Directive. This cooperation mechanism is based on 
a tradable certificate system. The demand for electricity certificates is created by the obligation that 
electricity  suppliers  are  required  to  purchase  certificates  corresponding  to  a  proportion  of  their 
electricity sales and/or electricity use. 

8. Cohesion policy contribution 

The EU Cohesion policy provides for investment possibilities to implement energy policy objectives in 
Sweden which will be complemented by national public and private co-financing, aiming at optimal 
leverage. It also ensures integrated territorial solutions to challenges by supporting capacity building, 
technical  assistance  and  territorial  cooperation,  including  the  Baltic  Sea  Region  macro-regional 
strategy in which Sweden takes part. 

Energy  efficiency:  Over  2014-2020,  EU  Cohesion  Policy  will  invest  some  EUR  86  million  in  energy 
efficiency  improvements  in  public  and  residential  buildings  and  in  SMEs  in  Sweden.  A  further 

11 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Towards an Energy Union - Sweden 

estimated  EUR  82  million  will  be  invested  in  supporting  the  move  towards  an  energy-efficient, 
decarbonised  transport  sector.  These  investments  are  expected  to  contribute  to  around  10 000 
households  with improved  energy  consumption  classification  and  a  decrease  of  around 40 000 000 
kWh per year of decreased primary energy consumption of public buildings, as well as to around 80 
km of reconstructed or upgraded railway lines. 

Decarbonisation:  Overall,  the  EU  Cohesion  Policy  investments  in  Sweden  over  2014-2020  are 
expected to contribute to an estimated annual decrease of GHG of around 6 000 tonnes of CO2eq. 
Over 2014-2020, EU Cohesion Policy will invest some EUR 5 million in renewable energy in Sweden. 
This  funding  will  be  complemented  by  national  public  and  private  co-financing,  aiming  at  optimal 
leverage. 

Research,  Innovation  and  Competitiveness:  Over  2014-2020,  EU  Cohesion  Policy  will  invest 
significantly in R&I and in SME competitiveness in Sweden. This will be based on the national strategy 
as well as regional strategies for smart specialisation. For Sweden, the strategies include a focus on 
support  for  networks,  clusters  and  incubators  for  SMEs  working  with  energy  efficiency  and  a  key 
issue is the increased potential for commercialisation of innovation in the energy sector. In addition, 
development of strategies and plans for sustainable and energy efficient urban planning, favouring 
energy conservation and non-fossil energy, will be supported. At this stage, at least EUR 91 million is 
foreseen for investments in R&I and adoption of low-carbon technologies in Sweden, but this might 
increase further in line with the evolving content of the smart specialisation strategy.  

12