Vinnova is inviting Swedish electricity-intensive industries to develop advanced digital solutions that enable flexible, efficient, and cost-effective electricity use. The initiative aims to support the transition to electrified industry while managing the increased demand for power, promoting sustainability, and strengthening the resilience of industrial energy systems.
Projects should focus on creating innovative technologies, processes, and business models that allow industries to secure electricity access, optimize energy use, and improve planning and predictability of energy costs.
Focus Areas
Funded projects should target one or more of the following:
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Electrically flexible use of energy by industrial actors
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Decision support systems for improved planning and predictability of energy costs
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Advanced technologies and methods for secure handling, analysis, and utilization of large-scale electrification data
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New business models to strengthen industry’s ability to secure energy needs independently
The program encourages solutions that foster collaboration between industrial actors, technology providers, universities, research institutes, and public organisations.
Eligibility and Consortium Requirements
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Projects must involve a consortium of at least two parties, including at least one electricity-intensive industrial actor such as paper and pulp, mining, steel, or other highly electrified sectors
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Additional consortium members may include digital solution providers, electricity grid companies, universities, research institutes, and relevant public organisations
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Projects must be driven by industry needs and aim for practical, scalable solutions
Eligible Activities
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Investigating technical and design requirements for electricity-efficient solutions
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Developing prototypes, demonstration versions, or pilot tests of products or services
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Research and development of production methods and energy management systems
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Testing and verifying innovations through studies, simulations, or trials
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Analyzing market conditions to identify potential customers, partners, and competitors
Funding and Project Duration
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Funding range: 1 to 10 million SEK per project
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Funding coverage: Up to 50% of total eligible project costs
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Project duration: 12 to 36 months
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Preliminary total call budget: 30 million SEK
Expected Outcomes
Projects should aim to:
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Enhance energy efficiency and flexibility in electricity-intensive industries
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Support industrial collaboration with service providers, technology developers, and grid operators
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Enable scalable solutions to manage electricity demand, costs, and access
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Contribute to a resilient and sustainable industrial energy ecosystem in Sweden
FAQs
1. Who can apply?
Consortia including at least one electricity-intensive industrial actor in Sweden. Additional partners may include digital solution providers, research institutes, universities, electricity grid companies, and relevant public organisations.
2. What industries are considered electricity-intensive?
Examples include paper and pulp, mining, steel, and other sectors with high electricity demand and potential exposure to power shortages.
3. What types of activities are eligible for funding?
Prototyping, pilot testing, R&D of production methods, feasibility studies, innovation verification, and market research.
4. How much funding is available per project?
Between 1 and 10 million SEK, covering up to 50% of eligible project costs.
5. What is the duration of funded projects?
Projects are expected to run between 12 and 36 months.
6. What is the main goal of the initiative?
To improve electricity flexibility, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in industrial sectors while fostering collaboration, innovation, and sustainable electrification.
7. Are international partners allowed?
Foreign organisations can participate if they have a legal entity in Sweden or a branch that can participate under Swedish law.
8. How is funding allocated?
Projects are funded according to eligible costs, with Vinnova covering up to 50% of total project costs based on a detailed budget proposal.
9. Is prior experience in electrification or digital technology required?
While not strictly required, projects must demonstrate industry relevance, feasibility, and capacity to deliver measurable impact in electricity efficiency and flexibility.
10. What outcomes are expected?
Practical solutions that enhance energy efficiency, promote flexible electricity use, strengthen industry collaboration, and contribute to a sustainable and resilient industrial energy ecosystem.
Conclusion
This Vinnova funding opportunity empowers Swedish electricity-intensive industries to adopt advanced digital solutions that transform energy use. By promoting flexible consumption, efficient planning, and innovative technologies, the program supports the broader goal of sustainable industrial electrification, securing energy access, and strengthening industry’s competitiveness in a rapidly evolving energy landscape.
For more information, visit Vinnova.
