Sweden: Energy forerunner

Sweden has the largest share of renewable energy in the EU.

RENEWABLE. The Swedish national target is 50 percent renewable energy by 2020.

RENEWABLE. The Swedish national target is 50 percent renewable energy by 2020.

 

Energy system
Main article

In addition to their extensive use of hydropower, Sweden's great forestry resources have made them world-leading in bioenergy - both for transportation and for combined heat and power

Institutional system
Main article

Responsibilities for energy technology issues are shared by a number of key institutions in Sweden. The Ministry of Enterprise, Energy and Communication, the Ministry of Education and Research and the Ministry of the Environment are the central players at the ministerial level, providing directions to institutions such as the Swedish Energy Agency, Vinnova and Formas.

Policy initiatives
Main article

Sweden has introduced a tax on greenhouse gas emissions, and a Green Certificate scheme to support energy from renewable sources. In 2030, their transportation sector should be completely independent from fossil fuels.

Article produced by Marie Loe Halvorsen 02.11.2011

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