Sweden Secures 350 MW Electricity Reserve for Winter Supply Stability

Svenska kraftnät has successfully procured a 350 MW electricity reserve to safeguard Sweden's power supply against potential shortages during the winter months of 2026. The reserve is scheduled to be available from January 15 to March 15, addressing heightened demand during the cold season. Karlshamnsverket in Blekinge is the primary supplier, contributing 330 MW, while Mälarenergi’s Aros G4 in Västerås will provide 20 MW. For context, this reserve amounts to roughly one-third of the output of a typical nuclear reactor, which generates about 1,100 MW.

This procurement follows a previous attempt last autumn that failed due to excessively high prices. Svenska kraftnät has since revised its procurement model, restructuring the pricing so that initial megawatts have greater value than the later ones. The total cost for securing the strategic reserve remains capped at 96 million kronor for up to 800 MW capacity.

Thomas Pålsson, the director general of Svenska kraftnät, emphasized that alongside securing this year’s winter reserve, efforts have already begun to plan for future winters to keep pace with anticipated increases in electricity consumption. This proactive strategy aims to ensure continuous energy security during Sweden’s colder months.

This agreement, involving two main suppliers, exemplifies Svenska kraftnät’s commitment to maintaining a reliable electricity supply despite challenges in the energy market.