Biofuels: The key to sweden’s energy security
For decades, the transition to biofuels has been driven by economic and environmental factors. But in an increasingly uncertain world, the focus has shifted. Today, by-products from forestry and the sawmill industry play a key role in safeguarding the nation’s energy security.
Energy security in umeå is a practical reality
Umeå Energy has built a system that remains resilient even when the world around it is uncertain. Today, Umeå’s district heating system is almost entirely free from fossil fuels, with only 2.57% remaining.
Instead, its reliability is based on recovered energy (54%) and renewable fuels (38%), with bioenergy such as pellets and bark from SCA forming part of the mix.
The Dåva combined heat and power plant, located just outside Umeå, is one of the world’s most energy-efficient and environmentally adapted facilities using waste as its primary fuel. Here, Umeå Energy produces district heating and electricity from sorted waste and residues from the forest industry. At its peripheral facilities, pellets are used as the main fuel source.
Domestic resources reduce vulnerability
Making use of resources that are already available within the country’s borders is fundamental to Sweden’s resilience.
During Arena Energy in Almedalen in June 2026, Umeå Energy, together with Skellefteå Kraft, will elevate the discussion to a national level through the seminar “Import Dependence or Self-Sufficiency? How the Energy System Supports Sweden’s Preparedness.”
The discussion will focus on how Sweden can maximize the use of domestic biofuels, renewable electricity, and carbon storage to achieve self-sufficiency in both energy and transportation fuels.
Copilot said: Sweden has unique opportunities through residual streams from forestry and industry, combined with fossil-free electricity. By making better use of these resources, we can produce both fossil-free energy and sustainable transport fuels that strengthen our preparedness and reduce our dependence on imported fuels in today’s uncertain geopolitical environment.
Why Bioenergy Strengthens Sweden’s Preparedness
Domestic Resources Reduce Vulnerability
Because biofuels are produced from Swedish forestry residues, Sweden is not dependent on uncertain import routes or foreign suppliers. This creates a greater degree of energy self-sufficiency that remains reliable even during periods of geopolitical instability.
A Storable Energy Reserve
Unlike weather-dependent energy sources, biofuels such as pellets, bark, logging residues (GROT), and wood chips can be stored in large volumes. This provides a secure energy reserve that is ready to be used whenever demand is at its highest, regardless of weather conditions.
Local Protection Against National Disruptions
Bioenergy powers local combined heat and power (CHP) plants across the country. In the event of a crisis, many of these facilities can continue supplying heat and electricity to their surrounding communities through so-called “island mode” operation, even if the national power grid experiences disruptions.