Energiforsk and SOLVE: Continuing the Collaboration for a Smarter Energy System
Energiforsk has been involved in SOLVE since it started in 2021. It is now clear that SOLVE has funding for another period. Energiforsk is happy to continue as a member of the competence center also during the upcoming program period:
– The fact that the Swedish Energy Agency provides SOLVE with continued funding for the period 2027–2031 reflects a very positive assessment of SOLVE's scientific quality, collaboration, skills development, and societal relevance, says Marie Kofod-Hansen, who works at Energiforsk and is responsible for the SOLVE communication hub.
Energiforsk is a national research organisation that brings together industry, academia, and public actors to develop knowledge for a smarter and more sustainable energy system. Its work spans a broad range of research programmes from electricity grids, hydropower, nuclear and solar power to heating, cooling, and system-level analysis, reflecting the diversity and complexity of the Swedish energy landscape. By coordinating collaborative research and ensuring that results are both scientifically sound and practically applicable, Energiforsk plays a central role in supporting the long term development of Sweden’s energy sector.
Through this role, Energiforsk helps ensure that the research carried out within SOLVE is aligned with the needs and challenges identified in the energy sector. This includes questions related to how local solar generation interacts with distribution networks, how solar installations can contribute to flexibility, and how data and experience from existing systems can be used to improve future planning and operation. By bringing industry perspectives into the research process, Energiforsk supports the centre’s ambition to produce results that are both scientifically robust and practically relevant.
Knowledge dissemination is another important part of Energiforsk’s contribution. The organization works with reports, seminars, and networks that help make research findings accessible to energy companies, municipalities, authorities, and other stakeholders. This supports SOLVE’s goal of ensuring that new insights are not only generated but also reach the actors who can apply them in planning, investment decisions, and operational work.
The collaboration between Energiforsk and SOLVE strengthens the link between research and practice. By combining academic expertise with sector wide experience, the centre contributes to a deeper understanding of how solar power can be integrated and developed as part of Sweden’s evolving energy system.
Kati Mäntylä
Energiforsk