The project was based on scenarios up to 2050 and carried out quantitative analyses of the power system, with particular emphasis on the need for transmission grid capacity. The impact on the power system from electrification of the transport and heating sectors is included. The project also includes recommendations on which policy measures are necessary for the development of the transmission grid and for electrification of the transport sector.
All scenarios are based on a substantial expansion of new renewable energy in the Nordic region. The new renewable energy comprises wind power throughout the Nordic countries, bioenergy in Sweden and Finland, small-scale hydropower in Norway, and some solar power in the southern part of the region. In all scenarios there will be increased integration between the Nordic countries. In two of the scenarios, profitable investments in increased transmission connections to countries outside the Nordic region will be assessed.
There are already identifiable projects for nearly 200 TWh of new renewable energy in the Nordic region. Many of the projects are at an early stage and may not be realised. They nevertheless reflect extensive interest in building renewable energy in the Nordic region, and about 70 TWh of annual fossil power production should over time be replaceable with production free of CO2 emissions. It will also be possible to build out additional production. The surplus can be exported to the Nordic countries' neighbours, replace some of the production from nuclear power, or be used in new power-intensive industry. The consequences of various transmission connections between the Nordic region and other countries are analysed. The use of Norwegian hydropower for balancing variable wind and solar power is also included.