New report: Clear potential for hydrogen and electrofuels in Sweden

Sweden has relatively good supplies of the resources needed to produce both hydrogen and electrofuels. If the investments now being made in hydrogen materialize and the trend continues, Sweden could, long term, become a net exporter of hydrogen. However, so far, development has been slowed by a lack of policy instruments for hydrogen and regulations for how it can be managed.

"With the right strategies and support, Sweden can take a leading role in the global transition to renewable energy using hydrogen and electrofuels, but this development depends on how we prioritize the resources needed in the climate transition, and this is an issue we have to keep discussing”, says Mirjam Särnbratt, project manager at IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute and co-author of the report.

The report summarizes the demand for hydrogen and electrofuels, mainly in the transport, steel and chemical sectors, and projects that this demand will increase in the future. The scenario analysis indicates that Sweden's hydrogen demand could exceed production capacity by 2035, but that the reverse situation could arise by 2045.

The main challenges for the large-scale use of hydrogen in Sweden are a lack of infrastructure for the transmission and distribution of hydrogen, for example via gas pipelines, and insufficient capacity for electricity supply in some locations. To enable market growth, the report also emphasizes the need for clearer policy incentives and improved infrastructure.

Despite the challenges, there is great potential for low-carbon hydrogen production thanks to Sweden's favourable mix of energy sources, compared to many other European countries. Against this background, the report points to a future where Sweden can become a net exporter of hydrogen.

"Further research in this area should focus on what policy incentives are needed to foster development. Technology development and cooperation are also needed, in order to realize Sweden's potential in this area”, says Marika Olsson of IVL, co-author of the report.

Read the report: The Potential of Hydrogen in a Swedish Context External link, opens in new window.

The report was presented at a webinar on 16 April that can subsequently be viewed here External link, opens in new window..

For more information, contact:
Mirjam Särnbratt, mirjam.sarnbratt@ivl.se, tel. +46 (0)10-788 65 90
Marika Olsson, marika.olsson@ivl.se, tel. +46 (0)10-788 67 41

The report investigated the potential for hydrogen and electrofuels in the Swedish context through a compilation of literature and reports, as well as through interviews and scenario analyses. The report was produced by IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, Rise, DNV and Sweco. The study was conducted within the Energiforsk programme The Role of Hydrogen in the Energy and Climate Transition, and was funded by the SIVL Foundation and Energiforsk.