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Rural Sweden could power the energy transition, argues professor
🇸🇪 Sweden /Energy & Infrastructure

Rural Sweden could power the energy transition, argues professor

From Dagens Nyheter · () Swedish

Translated from Swedish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Opinion Sources not specified Context piece
  • The article argues that Sweden's rural areas could lead the transition to electrification, contrary to the perception of being dependent on cars and fossil fuels.
  • It draws parallels to the 1970s oil crisis, when Sweden reduced its oil dependency through comprehensive energy programs.
  • The author suggests that leveraging the countryside's resources and existing infrastructure can position it as a pioneer in electrification.

Rural Sweden, often stereotyped as being solely reliant on cars and gasoline, possesses the potential to become a driving force in the nation's energy transition. This perspective challenges the conventional view, suggesting that the countryside could instead spearhead the shift towards electrification.

Drawing lessons from the 1973 oil crisis, when Sweden significantly reduced its oil dependency following a period of heavy reliance, the author posits that similar strategies can be employed today. Back then, a comprehensive energy program was implemented, focusing on research, expanding electricity production, biomass, district heating, and energy conservation. This historical precedent demonstrates Sweden's capacity to pivot away from fossil fuels, even under challenging circumstances.

The countryside is often portrayed as doomed to cars and gasoline. But it could just as easily be the engine of the transition.

— Erland Mårald, professor of history of ideasIntroducing the core argument that rural Sweden can lead the energy transition.

The current policy of lowering fossil fuel prices, particularly for gasoline and diesel, is criticized as short-sighted and counterproductive. While ostensibly aimed at helping rural populations dependent on cars, this policy risks cementing dependence on an unstable and harmful fossil fuel system. The author argues that Sweden, which produces no oil domestically, should not be subsidizing imported fossil fuels.

Instead, the article advocates for a redirection of focus towards electrification, highlighting that rural areas are well-positioned to lead this charge. With abundant space, resources, and existing electrical infrastructure, the countryside can become a testing ground and a model for sustainable energy solutions. This approach, it is argued, aligns better with Sweden's long-term goals for energy security, welfare, and climate action.

The policy is both short-sighted and counterproductive. Is it really wise from the perspective of preparedness, welfare, and climate to favor fossil fuels in a country that does not produce a single drop of oil?

— Erland Mårald, professor of history of ideasCritiquing current government policies that support fossil fuels.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dagens Nyheter in Swedish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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