Electricity grids and power plants in interaction

Our electricity system has been built and developed step by step, to meet our needs as society develops. Sweden is an elongated country with a lot of hydropower in the north, and most of the electricity use in the south. In order to transmit the electricity, both grid and power plants are needed along the way. Sweden's grid and production capacity, together with a high level of operational reliability, contribute to a good transmission capacity - and that we have access to electricity throughout the country.

Have you ever wondered why our nuclear power plants are located where they are? Watch our film and you will get the answer.

In that respect, there was also a thought behind the location of Sweden's nuclear power plant. Since electricity cannot be stored on any large scale, it must be produced at the same time as it is consumed. In order for the electricity to be stable, the generators at the large power plants spin in sync. You can say that they are linked with each other to be able to transmit power to the whole country. One less power plant simply means a weaker and less stable engine.

 

A power supply that delivers is based on five factors:

1. That there is a balance between electricity production and electricity consumption

2. That it is possible to maintain the voltage in each power plant

3. That it is possible to control power and energy flows

4. That power is constantly supplied to the right places in the electrical system

5. That the system can be quickly restored after a possible interruption

 

A power supply that delivers – today and in the future

Our common prosperity is largely based on the fact that we have successful companies that can compete in a global world market through smart solutions and products. Thanks to them, jobs and welfare are created.

Society and our industries need to change in order for Sweden to reach the climate goals and at the same time continue to be a rich and successful country. To succeed, innovations, new technology and industrial development are needed, but also fossil-free electricity – much more than what we produce today.

Sweden has good basic conditions through access to hydropower, nuclear and wind power. But we are about to outgrow the system. Large investments are therefore required for a balanced electricity system, where all fossil-free energy types can continue to contribute their respective strengths. When the electricity system is expanded, it is therefore important to have a strategic plan for the expansion so that the power plants are placed in the right places in the system. That is why power generation itself is only part of the solution, in the end what matters is that the electricity is where it is needed, when it is needed. A power supply that delivers – for real.

Find out more

Many innovative projects aimed at making nuclear power an important part of the future’s fossil-free energy system are becoming a reality. One such innovation is the Small Modular Reactor.

For Sweden to function and continue developing, we need secure and stable access to fossil-free electricity throughout the country. 

Hydrogen is not an energy source in itself, but just like electricity it is an energy carrier. It can therefore not be determined to be renewable, fossil-free or fossil without knowledge about the production process.

Our global presence

We continue to strengthen our presence in key markets, develop innovative solutions and acquire companies in prioritized areas. Uniper solutions are sold to over 100 countries and we currently operate in over 40 countries.