Energy Research and Development

There have been long-term energy RD & D programmes in Sweden since 1975. The Energy Policy Programme adopted in 1997 included a seven-year RD & D programme of SEK5.6 billion (Eur 93 million per year) for renewable energy sources and new energy technology. The main target of the programme was to reduce the cost of renewables to make them more viable alternatives to nuclear power and fossil fuels. Biomass RD & D received total funding of about SEK400 million (Eur36 million) per year from the government. Electricity companies and other industries also provided funds. The main areas of support were combustion and conversion technologies, demonstration of pre-competitive technologies, fuel production, harvesting supply programmes and ashes recycling.