The university is receiving 20 million to strengthen research on resilient energy systems

The Swedish Energy Agency has decided to extend and expand the RESILIENT Center of Excellence, which will provide 20 million kronor to the University of Gävle. The Center of Excellence focuses on research into resilient energy systems, and the expansion will create five new doctoral positions at the University.

“This is very significant for the University of Gävle. It enhances our international appeal and visibility, making us attractive partners for leading groups both nationally and internationally,” says Mathias Cehlin, head of the Department of Building Technology, Energy Systems and Environmental Science and RESILIENT node leader at the University of Gävle.

The purpose of the competence center is to increase knowledge and expertise regarding the transition of the Swedish energy system, with a focus on resilient, flexible, and fossil-free energy systems.

Mälardalen University is the coordinator for the competence center. Co-applicant universities and research institutes are the University of Gävle, Uppsala University, Umeå University, Linköping University, and RISE Research Institutes of Sweden AB.

Five new doctoral students

To date, over 15 research projects have been launched within the center and are being carried out in collaboration between academia, industry, and the public sector. The first phase, which began in 2022, includes 4 doctoral students, 3 postdocs, and 8 senior researchers from the University. With the expansion, 5 new doctoral students will be added.

Following the expansion, the RESILIENT Competence Center will have a budget of approximately 400 million Swedish kronor over ten years, of which 135 million kronor comes from the Swedish Energy Agency. The initiative is a joint effort, and the Swedish Energy Agency provides one-third of the funding.

"An important recognition"

The remaining two-thirds come from universities, research institutes, the business sector, and public entities. For the University of Gävle, the decision means funding of approximately 20 million Swedish kronor. The university is co-funding the project with at least 20 million, and participating companies linked to the university are contributing at least the same amount.

“This is an important recognition of the research and collaboration that the University of Gävle has built up in the energy sector over a long period of time. The center of excellence directly contributes to the University’s overarching goal of developing research and educational environments with international appeal and creating local and global societal benefits,” says Mathias Cehlin.

Text: Anna Sällberg