How to save energy to reach a balance between production and consumption of heat, electricity and fuels for vehicles

There is a potential to utilize a significant amount of renewable energy in Sweden and European union (EU). Biomass can fulfil some 8500–12,500 TW h/y in EU, while the total utilization was 16,084 TW h/y 2009. Even though there is a significant amount of wind power, hydro power and potentially also solar power, it still is most economical to reduce the consumption of heat, electricity and fuels for vehicles. A saved kWh is normally cheaper than to produce one extra. In this paper different opportunities for saving energy will be discussed. This includes manufacturing industries, process industries, power plants and energy systems including distribution of power and smart grids, food production and transportation. There is also a major potential to save energy in buildings, both in the north where it is cold, and in the south where it can be very hot summer time. Here the potential is to avoid cooling instead. Technical solutions as well as economic incentives are covered. Environmental aspects are addressed, so that the solutions will be long term sustainable.

► Energy balance between production of renewable energy and consumption of energy.
► Examples of possibilities to save energy in households, industry, buildings and transportation.
► Overview of available renewable energy resources in European union.
► Calculations made from available statistical data with reasonable extrapolations into a balance for the complete European union (EU).