Overview
Sweden has a relatively developed framework of RES policies and certification systems in place. There is ample funding available for RES R&D projects, with slightly different focus areas depending on the political decisions made regarding to which technologies and sectors to prioritise.
Public authorities are obliged to make purchases and other forms of procurement that are in line with the energy efficiency and low-emissions standards set out by national and EU legislation.
Sweden offers certification programmes: voluntary certification for RES installers and a mandatory certification for persons carrying out energy efficiency surveys for large companies.
Summary of policies
● Energy surveyor certificate: Mandatory training for persons carrying out energy efficiency surveys for large companies.
● Exemplary role of public authorities – environmental standards for government vehicles. Government vehicles have to comply with the “bonus” category standards, unless exempted from this obligation.
● Exemplary role of public authorities – energy efficiency standards for public authorities. The Ordinance 2014:480 obligates public authorities to make their purchases, leases and other forms of procurement of goods, services and buildings subject to energy efficiency requirements set out by other pieces of legislation, including relevant EU directives and decisions.
● Sustainable wind power expansion programme. A small R&D subsidy scheme for supporting technological advancement of the wind power sector.
● Bio+ scheme. A broad, interdisciplinary R&D scheme for activities regarding the use of biomass and biofuels has been opened for the year 2021.
● Climate leap: Large R&D funding scheme for local and regional measures for cutting emissions in different sectors. The programme prioritises the spread of new technologies, improved public health and employment. The scheme includes improving e-vehicle charging infrastructure.
Competent authorities
● Swedish Energy Agency
● National Board of Housing, Building and Planning
● Swedac
● Kiwa
● Swedish Transport Agency