Pioneering Smart Energy Solutions in Mid Sweden

The Energy-smart East Mid Sweden project, led by Örebro County Energy Agency in collaboration with Region Östergötland, Region Sörmland, Mälardalen Energy Agency, and the County Administrative Board of Östergötland, is creating transformative change in the region’s energy infrastructure. Financed by the Regional Development Fund, this ongoing effort is strengthening the capacity of local authorities and regional stakeholders to address the energy transition. The initiative focuses on increasing knowledge on how to improve energy efficiency, expand renewable energy production, and enhance grid capacity, delivering practical results that will enable the shaping of a more sustainable energy future in the region.

Towards a Flexible and Sustainable Energy System

At the heart of this initiative is the creation of planning tools that help municipalities and grid companies collaborate effectively. These tools aim to enable the expansion of solar and wind power solutions, including solar parks, and have provided critical data for municipalities to incorporate grid capacity into their development plans.

Municipalities have received support on planning for and implementing local renewable energy solutions, with solar and wind power initiatives emerging as key contributors to the region’s efforts in reducing carbon emissions. Collaboration with local authorities has been crucial in advancing these projects and ensuring that they align with long-term sustainability goals.

In addition, municipalities have benefited from a range of energy-saving measures and smart energy management systems that aim to reduce peak loads and improve energy efficiency. These measures, such as solar maps and municipal energy plans, are proving essential in guiding local authorities towards smarter, more efficient energy use.

Fostering Regional Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing

A significant achievement of the initiative has been the strengthening of regional collaboration. Through a series of forums and webinars, stakeholders—including municipalities, grid owners, and other actors—have come together to share knowledge and best practices. This exchange of ideas has helped participants better understand key issues such as district heating, energy communities, and energy flexibility, and has created a foundation for improved coordination across the region.

By continuing to support municipalities in their efforts to plan and implement sustainable energy solutions, the initiative is fostering a future where local energy production and efficiency are seamlessly integrated into regional grids. These efforts will ensure a reliable, low-carbon energy supply for future generations.

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