Competitiveness in the Age of Electricity

Balancing Technological Sovereignty and Global Integration

In an era where electrification and the green transition are reshaping industrial paradigms, Sweden and Europe face a critical challenge: How can technological sovereignty be maintained while remaining active and competitive within global value chains?

Sweden already holds a strong position as an energy nation, with low electricity prices, minimal dependence on fossil fuels, and a dynamic entrepreneurial landscape. Yet, the shift toward renewable energy and digitalization—including AI—demands new approaches to electricity generation, consumption, and the infrastructure that connects them.

The anticipated electrification of European industry and transport places significant demands on the power system, creating an urgent need to integrate and manage more distributed generation from wind and solar. Europe is grappling with the phase-out of aging infrastructure, while global actors such as China are rapidly building new systems. This reality calls for robust strategies to secure energy supply and ensure competitive conditions for the future.

On 14 January, the Academy will bring together leading experts to discuss how Europe can remain competitive and how Sweden can continue to be a frontrunner in the energy transition. The seminar will take place in the presence of the Patron of IVA, H.M. the King Carl XVI Gustaf.

Programme

• Introductory remarks 
  Marcus Wallenberg, Chair of IVA
• Securing Sweden’s energy system in a new era of electrification
  Maja Lundbäck, State Secretary for Energy
• Energy security and competitiveness in the age of electricity 
  Fatih Birol, Executive Director, International Energy Agency
• Increased flexibility in distribution grids
  Johan Mörnstam, CEO Eon Nordic
• Challenges and opportunities with electrification
  Filip Johnsson, Professor, Chalmers, IVA Fellow
• Europe's largest deposit of rare earth metals
  Jan Moström, CEO, LKAB, IVA Fellow
• The electrification – how to stay competitive?
  Moderator: Bo Diczfalusy, former Director at the IEA
  Panel:
  Jacob Stedman, CEO Blykalla
  Johan Svenningson, CEO Uniper 
  Emma Nehrenheim, MD European Battery Alliance, InnoEnergy, IVA Fellow
  Mikael Nordlander, Director of Partnerships, Vattenfall 
• Closing remarks
  Sylvia Schwaag Serger, Professor and President IVA