West Sweden: Accelerating Electrification

The demand for electricity in Västra Götaland, a county in southwestern Sweden, is rising rapidly, driven by an industrial transition that is now well underway. As Sweden’s leading industrial region, Västra Götaland requires a swift and strategic approach to secure the fossil-free energy needed for sustainable growth.

To meet this challenge, “The Municipalities’ Electrification Journey”—coordinated by the Regional Energy Agency of West Sweden—focuses on enabling faster and more effective electrification.

This strategic initiative aims to fast-track the region’s energy transition by 2030, in alignment with Västra Götaland’s electrification priorities. The project is primarily funded by Västra Götaland County, with participating municipalities and municipal associations co-financing 50% of the costs for their specific planning documents.

This is about strengthening the region’s competitiveness and economic growth while also increasing the share of locally produced energy

Maria Aronsson, Project Manager at the Regional Energy Agency of West Sweden

Effective Tools for Local Energy Planning

The project provides municipalities with knowledge-based studies and reports to support both local and regional energy planning. Key areas of focus include identifying optimal locations for renewable energy production, assessing power grid capacity and reinforcement needs, forecasting future energy demands for strategic planning, and developing a knowledge base for energy storage and flexibility solutions.

A key priority has been mapping suitable areas for solar and wind power using a transparent and consistent methodology. Some locations are designated as “soft stops,” where modifications can still allow for development. These findings are integrated into municipal spatial planning, contributing to a broader energy strategy for Västra Götaland County.

Today, approximately 75% of the region’s municipalities—30 municipalities and two municipal associations—have already developed planning documents.

Accelerating the Energy Transition

The project takes a pragmatic approach, ensuring that identified energy potential accounts for local constraints and permitting challenges. At the same time, it highlights Västra Götaland’s significant capacity for local electricity production. Economic factors—such as proximity to power grids and substations—are also considered to prioritise high-impact areas.

Cross-Municipality Collaboration

The project supports municipalities in planning wind and solar parks, while also fostering cross-border cooperation. By aligning land-use strategies and strengthening inter-municipal dialogue, the region can make more efficient use of its resources.

By working together, we can accelerate the energy transition and create solutions that benefit the entire region

Maria Aronsson

Additional municipalities still have the opportunity to join the project and contribute to shaping the region’s energy future.

This best practice is extracted from our publication ‘Sustainable Regions in Action‘. Discover more best practices here!