Introductory background and context

The development of Swedish energy use and climate policy

Important change in energy use since the 1970s

The energy supply in Sweden has changed dramatically since the 1970s. The major change has been the decrease in oil from 77% of the total energy supply in 1970 to 33% in 1997. This change was made possible mainly thanks to the development of hydro power and the nuclear programme. Also, the use of bio-fuels and peat has increased from 9% of the total supply in 1970 to 15% in 1998. Energy consumption has been reduced in the industry and housing sectors and increased within transportation between 1970 and 1998. It is mainly the use of oil that has been reduced in the industry and housing, and increased in transport. The use of electricity has increased considerably within industry and housing (SOU 2000a).

High use of energy

Sweden has a relatively high energy use per capita in comparison with other OECD countries. In 1997 the average energy use per capita was 17,000 kWh as compared to 7,500 kWh in the OECD. This can mainly be attributed to the fact that Sweden has natural resources such as forest, iron ore and hydropower, which in turn has resulted in a large share of energy-intensive industry. The geographical position and low population density has contributed to Sweden having large heating needs and long transportation distances.