With Sweden taking over the Presidency of the Council of the EU from January till June 2023, we give the floor to our Swedish member Installatörsföretagen to recap some new domestic measures that will help the country on the road towards energy transition.
Starting this year, several new rules will apply that are good to know for our installers. These are changes that Installatörsföretagen has fought for and which create business opportunities for our industry while speeding up Sweden’s energy transition.
Increased subsidy for solar
The subsidy for installing solar panels is being increased from 15% to 20%. This will enable more households to install solar panels, which in turn can lead to increased production of renewable electricity. The rebate applies to both materials and labour costs for installing solar panels.
Increased support for energy efficiency in single-family homes
The allowance for energy efficiency in single-family homes is being changed to discourage the heating of smaller houses directly with gas or resistance heating. By renovating or changing the source of heating, households will find it easier to cope with rising electricity prices and contribute to greater security of supply. The government is allocating SEK 379 million (€34 million) for this purpose in 2023, including a financial investment grant.
Increased funding for charging infrastructure
As the transport system switches to electro-mobility, the infrastructure needs to keep up. The government is therefore investing in improved accessibility and increased charging capacity for electric cars and heavy transport throughout the country. The charging infrastructure at ports and on docks will also be expanded for them to they play their important role as hubs for the electrification of several modes of transport. A total of SEK 1.1 billion (€99 million) will be invested in this in 2023, an increase of SEK 500 million (€44 million) compared to 2022.
Allowing energy sharing between buildings
Following a change in the Electricity Act, energy sharing between properties will be allowed from the beginning of the year. This creates the opportunity to build local electricity networks between different buildings and properties. Renewable energy can then be used in a more optimal way, as well as energy storage, while contributing to power optimisation for the entire network. A whole new way to use the energy we already have more efficiently.
Sweden drives energy issues in the EU
From the beginning of the year, Sweden will take over the Presidency of the EU Council of Ministers. One of Sweden’s five priority areas is to accelerate the green transition. The EU needs to become independent of Russian fossil fuels in order to overcome high energy prices, energy insecurity, as well as material insecurity. An acceleration of the energy transition is a prerequisite for the Union to achieve its climate goals.
