New Energy Research Bill Strengthens Investments in Swedish Energy Research
To reinforce energy research and meet future energy needs, the Swedish government is increasing investments in research and innovation. The energy research bill focuses on a robust energy system, competence provision, and increased utilization of research results.
In December 2024, the Swedish government presented the energy research bill “Research and Innovation in the Energy Sector for Security of Supply, Competitiveness, and Climate Transition”. The Swedish Energy Agency welcomes the bill and will work to implement new initiatives to strengthen Swedish energy research and innovation.
The bill clarifies the Swedish Energy Agency’s research mandate in relation to the energy policy framework bill (prop. 2023/24:105). The focus is on strengthening the development of the energy system to enable a cost-effective climate transition, secure energy supply, and enhanced Swedish competitiveness. The government highlights measures to promote value chains related to nuclear power, batteries, and hydrogen.
– The areas proposed for increased funding largely align with the needs we highlighted in our R&D strategy. We see strong opportunities to enhance the link between strategic planning and the evaluation and follow-up of our initiatives, says Peter Engdahl, Head of Department at the Swedish Energy Agency.
Prioritization of Nuclear Energy Research
The new energy research bill marks the first increase in energy research funding in many years. The 2025 budget bill allocates funds that, once fully implemented, will increase the energy research budget by SEK 250 million per year from 2027.
Research and innovation in nuclear energy are particularly emphasized in the bill. The government is allocating a total of SEK 600 million for this purpose during the period 2025–2028. Additionally, SEK 100 million is allocated for pilot and demonstration projects in the 2025 budget bill.
