Fossil-free society

Environmental Science works to facilitate and accelerate a fundamental transition to a fossil-free future. The group produces basic research and collaborates with stakeholders outside academia. This collaboration creates legitimacy and leads to frameworks that are perceived as fair, justified and effective. The focus of the work is technology transition and science-based strategies and frameworks for societal transformation that ensures social goals during the phasing out of fossil fuels.

The transport of people and goods in Sweden currently accounts for a quarter of Sweden’s energy use and cars are the most common means of transport. Approximately one third of Sweden’s carbon dioxide emissions come from the transport sector. The environmental impact of the transport sector can be reduced by a range of measures, e.g. by choosing more energy efficient means of transport, low-emission fuels throughout their life cycle, increased energy efficiency at all stages and avoiding unnecessary transport. New mobility solutions can make it easier for travellers to choose and switch between different means of transport, such as taking the train, cycling or walking instead of car transport.

The energy system consists not only of the electricity system but also district heating systems, district cooling and energy gas systems such as biogas and hydrogen. Carbon dioxide emissions from Sweden’s energy system are very low in an international perspective. The major potential for reducing emissions in other sectors such as industry and transport lies in electrification and primarily by building up a hydrogen infrastructure. The largest application area for hydrogen in industry is in the reduction process, heating at high temperatures in the steel and construction industries and in the production of fertilisers. There are also some application areas in the transport sector, primarily in heavy and long-distance road freight transport and in shipping and aviation.