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Energy security

Energy security refers to society’s ability to access stable and reliable energy – even when the energy system is exposed to crises, attacks, or major disruptions. It includes secure energy supply, sufficient infrastructure capacity, and the ability to maintain and restore supply when failures occur.

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In a time marked by geopolitical tensions, climate change, and increasing digitalization, this requires insight into technical, digital, and organizational factors alike. Research and analysis provide a stronger knowledge base for understanding vulnerabilities and developing solutions that enhance the robustness of the energy system.

A safe and well-functioning energy system is essential for nearly all aspects of society. Energy powers healthcare, communications, water supply, and transport, and it is a prerequisite for industrial value creation and the operation of public services. When energy supply fails, both societal security and everyday life are affected: production stops, critical services are weakened, and households lose access to heating, lighting, and digital services. Stable access to energy is therefore fundamental for both economic competitiveness and public safety.

Efforts to strengthen energy security range from technology development and energy planning to preparedness, monitoring, and more efficient energy use. Improved risk and vulnerability analyses provide insight into how threats can arise and spread. Measures such as islanded operation, local production, energy storage, and access to critical components make systems less vulnerable. Energy efficiency, flexible consumption, and diversification of energy sources increase operational flexibility both in normal situations and during crises. Combined with interdisciplinary knowledge and strong cooperation between authorities, industry, and research communities, these efforts can form the basis for an energy system that can withstand greater stress and recover quickly after disruptions.

Below you will find more information about the different research areas that together form the foundation for a holistic approach to energy security – from power systems and offshore energy to integrated energy systems and value chains.

Expertise energy security

Energy security laboratories - in alphabetical order

News about Energy security

Can data centres be built and operated responsibly?

Can data centres be built and operated responsibly?

As demand for data centres grows, a new project will explore how they can be developed with lower peak power demand, better heat recovery, smarter grid integration and reduced impact on the environment.

FME SecurEL

Ensuring a secure power supply in a zero-emission future

SecurEL facilitates a secure, resilient, and sustainable electricity distribution grid that ensures both the security of electricity supply and a path to a net-zero emissions society.

SecurEL is a Centre for Environment-friendly Energy Research partly financed by the Research Council of Norway.

Energy security projects

STORCITO

STORCITO

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Sustainable transformation of rural communities via technical, social and organizational innovations

FleksReg

FleksReg

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The project focuses on demonstrating and verifying a concept for enabling large-scale and hybrid flexible resources.

Software on Energy systems and security