A war is ongoing in our immediate neighbourhood, causing not only immense human suffering but also affecting the country's energy infrastructure and the daily lives of Ukrainians. Without functioning electricity and heating, everyday but entirely essential services disappear: hot water from the taps and light in the home, not to mention all the modern digital functions that people have grown accustomed to.
Energy sector infrastructure has unfortunately been a recurring target in the attacks on Ukraine. In Sweden, we have 600,000 kilometres of power lines, more than 5,000 power stations and approximately 500 district heating plants, all of which could become targets in the event of a potential armed attack. Cyberattacks are a recurring phenomenon in our country, and Ukraine has been severely affected by them even before the war.
Sweden has experienced a rapid awakening. We have joined NATO and now face a historic total defence decision involving the reinforcement of both military and civil defence, as described in a report from the Swedish Defence Commission (Försvarsberedningen) earlier this year.
Crisis preparedness and total defence are essential to protecting our energy system and society at large. As threats and risks in the surrounding world increase, continuous and long-term efforts become ever more critical. One element of this is the Defence Commission's proposal to recreate a modern equivalent of the former operational defence guard (driftvärn), designed to protect and secure critical societal infrastructure, including the energy system.
During the Cold War and up until 2005, an operational defence guard existed. Part of the Swedish Home Guard (Hemvärnet) was dedicated to defending vital installations within areas such as infrastructure and energy supply. A renewed version of an operational defence guard could be an important component in rebuilding resilience.
Energiföretagen Sverige also believes there is a place for a "digital operational defence guard" to address cyber threats. Cybersecurity is a cornerstone of a digitally remote-controlled and flexible energy system, as well as of modern civil defence.
Energiföretagen has previously welcomed the reintroduction of civil duty (civilplikten), which expands Sweden's repair preparedness for electricity supply and the stockpiling of materiel and resources.
The financing, development and management of Sweden's civil and military defence is a fundamental state responsibility. The government, parliament and public authorities need to adapt their planning and make priorities that also account for the conditions and contributions of private actors in society. Those of us in the energy sector can contribute both knowledge and resources, but the state must provide financing and prioritisation.
We welcome the government's raised ambitions for civil defence, of which the energy sector is a part. The government must now ensure that the discussion on operational defence guards translates into action and concrete proposals.
Åsa Pettersson, CEO, Energiföretagen Sverige (Swedish Energy Companies)