Total Defence Research Institute, FOI, has in a report analyzed Ukraine's electricity infrastructure, in order to draw lessons for Sweden's part.
Anders Odell is struck by how well the Ukrainians have managed to keep the electricity system going, despite the Russians' constant attacks on the power grid and electricity production.
After several years of Russian harassment, the annexation of the Crimean Peninsula, Ukraine was well prepared from the outset. They had skilled personnel who could be sent out for repairs and also had a decent stockpile of spare parts. During the time that Russia constantly struck at the electricity system, the Ukrainians learned, among other things, how to ensure the safety of the repair personnel.
Preparations are everything
The lessons for Sweden?
It's about preparations.
To review our ability to perform repairs from all aspects, says Anders Odell.
The energy supply has been a targeted goal in the attack on Ukraine. It cannot be ruled out that the same tactic would be used if Sweden were to be attacked.
A functioning energy and power supply is fundamental for society to function, says Odell.
How prepared is Sweden today?
Probably worse than Ukraine was in 2022 when the Russians attacked Ukraine, according to Erik Nordman, security chief at Svenska kraftnät.
Vulnerable Sweden
They have lived with the threat so close in their daily lives in a way that we haven't done for a long time. So I would say that they were more prepared then than we are today.
For there are obvious weaknesses in the Swedish electricity grid, electricity production, and protection of the same. Sweden is a long country with much electricity production in the north that needs to be transported long distances south. In this way, we are more vulnerable than many other countries, according to Erik Nordman. Repair preparedness is extra important, as shown by the experience from Ukraine.
And we can strengthen it significantly. It's important with our own personnel, says Erik Nordman.
There is also a lot to be done regarding inventory management of spare parts, according to Nordman.
