How Sweden aims to become a leader in energy research
The Swedish Energy Agency’s competence centre programme has a clear vision: to position Sweden as a global leader in energy research, with centres that stand out on the international stage.
The energy and climate transition is a complex societal challenge that involves not only developing new technologies but also changing behaviours, societal structures and policy instruments. Success requires research that enables transformative change while also managing and further developing existing technological solutions. Strong research environments foster innovation and collaboration, providing better conditions to meet future energy challenges.
Internationally leading competence centres
Currently, there are eleven active competence centres funded by the Swedish Energy Agency. The Swedish Energy Agency is now investing in the establishment of even more centres. A competence centre is built on strong research environments and long-term collaboration, where universities, research institutes, industry, and the public sector work together. The goal is for Sweden to conduct research of high scientific quality, with a clear link to societal and industrial needs.
“We are investing in building strong research environments where collaboration is key to achieving a fossil-free and sustainable energy system. Skills provision is crucial for Sweden to remain at the forefront,” says Peter Engdahl, Head of Department at the Swedish Energy Agency.
Educating tomorrow’s energy experts
A central objective is to educate doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers who will become the energy experts of the future. The focus is on the transition to a secure, competitive, and sustainable energy system, and on the industry’s shift to new technologies, methods, and system solutions within the energy field.
“Our experience with competence centres shows that long-term and trust-based relationships between partners create successful environments for doctoral education,” says Kalle Svensson, Research Officer at the Swedish Energy Agency.
About the call for proposals
The Swedish Energy Agency has recently opened a call for proposals to establish additional competence centres in the energy sector for the period 2027–2031. The initiative totals approximately SEK 300 million and is aimed at universities and higher education institutions seeking to build research environments in collaboration with research institutes, companies, and public actors. The call is open from 21 August 2025 to 31 March 2026.
