As the energy system changes, new approaches to planning are needed

The energy system is changing rapidly. Electrification, new industrial developments, and increased demands for sustainability are creating new opportunities, but also new needs for coordination and long-term planning.

During Almedalen Week, Krafttag i Väst Elsa, in collaboration with Energikontoren Sverige, is hosting a seminar on how municipalities and regions can use energy planning to boost competitiveness and build resilient energy systems. Drawing on current research and practical examples, the seminar will explore how energy planning can be used to create the long-term conditions necessary for the energy transition.

“The transition needs to happen quickly, but speed without broad support creates resistance, not progress. Energy planning is the tool that brings stakeholders together, manages conflicts, and drives action. It’s not the plan that matters. It’s when we act on it—and that’s now,” says Madeleine Jonsson, chair of the Environment and Regional Development Committee in the Västra Götaland Region.

Constructive processes and faster decision-making

Success is not just about expanding electricity generation and the power grid. It is also about creating processes where different interests can be reconciled, conflicting goals can be managed, and decisions can be made in a timely manner.

“Local government autonomy provides the opportunity to shape development at the local level, but it also entails a responsibility to consider the bigger picture. That is why energy planning must be based on joint planning and collaboration—across municipal boundaries and in partnership with relevant authorities, energy companies, and the business community,” says Christel Thuresson, energy and business strategist at the Fyrbodal Municipal Association.

When climate goals, industrial development, natural values, and local acceptance intersect, it requires knowledge, a shared vision, and long-term trade-offs that stand the test of time.

Energy Planning as a Tool for Development

Energy planning is about more than just producing a document. It is a way to build consensus on future needs, identify opportunities and challenges, and develop a capacity to act at a time when the energy system is changing rapidly.

The seminar will feature representatives from municipalities, regional authorities, the research community, and the business sector. Together, they will share their experiences and perspectives on what is needed to strengthen society’s ability to achieve the energy transition.

“Västra Götaland is at the heart of the energy transition. Almedalen is an important forum for sharing experiences from this work and contributing to the national conversation on how the transition can be carried out,” says Malin Emmoth, communications officer for Krafttag i Väst Elsa at West Sweden Energy Agency of Innovatum Science Park.

The seminar in Almedalen

Date and time: June 24, 2:30–3:30 p.m.
Location: Energicentrum Gotland

Cast

• Anna Jähnke, Regional Councilor, Region Skåne, M
• Madeleine Jonsson, Chair of the Committee on the Environment and Regional Development, Västra Götaland Region, Green Party
• Oscar Lindster, Member of the Regional Council and the Regional Executive Board, Region Gotland, S
• Tomas Kåberger, Chair of Energikontoren Sverige, Professor of Industrial Energy Policy, Chalmers University of Technology
• Johan Lenner, Energy Systems Strategist, Östergötland Region
• Alexander Marek, working at the intersection of landscape, society, and technology, LABLAB
• Magnus Fredricson, researcher in energy planning, University of Skövde, Krafttag i Väst Elsa
• Christel Thuresson, Energy and Business Strategist, Fyrbodal Municipal Association, Krafttag i Väst Elsa

The seminar is organized by Krafttag i Väst Elsa in collaboration with Energikontoren Sverige.

Krafttag i Väst Elsa is a regional collaboration initiative aimed at strengthening the capacity of municipalities and other stakeholders to address the opportunities and challenges of the energy transition. The initiative is funded by the Swedish West Sweden Energy Agency Agency, led by West Sweden Energy Agency of Innovatum Science Park—and brings together regional stakeholders in Västra Götaland to contribute to a robust, competitive, and sustainable energy system.