EON CEO Urges Swedish Government to Define Energy Sector's Role in National Resilience

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine and Sweden's pursuit of NATO membership have significantly altered the operational landscape for energy companies. Johan Mörnstam, CEO of EON Sweden, emphasizes that the energy sector is not merely a provider of power but a key component in ensuring societal resilience. As the company's role in civil defense grows, Mörnstam points out that critical elements are still lacking, including clear expectations from the government, financing models for preparedness, and cohesive planning crucial for enhancing national defense capabilities. "We need to discuss what should be included in each company's basic preparedness, what can be considered additional tasks, and how long the industry actors are expected to be able to ensure essential operation. Today, much is unclear, which complicates long-term planning," he asserts. Mörnstam highlights the importance of district heating and combined heat and power (CHP) systems, which can locally generate both electricity and heat even during grid failures, as demonstrated in Spain and Portugal. This capability is vital for keeping hospitals, nursing homes, and other essential services operational during blackouts. He stresses that combined heat and power is essential for restoring failed grids with domestic fuels, yet the industry faces economic pressures. Without clear recognition of district heating's significance to national defense, there is a risk of losing the very capacity that is crucial. In response to these challenges, EON has initiated plans for island operations, built alternative operational control centers, and enhanced its disturbance response capabilities for both electricity and district heating services. The company is also a founding member of EnergiCert, which serves as a joint cybersecurity center for the energy sector. Addressing the need for systematic coordination, Mörnstam argues that individual companies can't prepare in isolation. He calls for a strategic focus across the entire energy sector, urging the Swedish Energy Agency to take on a pivotal role in this effort. EON advocates for a system of long-term preparedness agreements akin to those that exist in food supply and transportation sectors, enabling the energy industry to plan for greater robustness through necessary resources like spare parts, staff, and physical security measures. Mörnstam emphasizes the critical nature of the business sector's involvement in national resilience, stating, "We at EON have the will and capacity to contribute. But the Swedish state must set the frameworks. Our call to the government is to move from words to action and give the energy sector a clear role in Sweden's defense." Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2