This report examines the growing vulnerabilities in the Nordic energy system, from cyberattacks and sabotage to disruptions affecting critical infrastructure, and argues that stronger Nordic coordination is needed to address these risks. It presents 25 recommendations for how the Nordic countries can reinforce their energy security through closer regional cooperation, along with specific proposals for each country.
Prepared by the Economic Security Forum on behalf of the Nordic Council of Ministers and Nordic Energy Research, the report highlights the need to build a more resilient and future‑proof Nordic energy system. The report identifies several vulnerabilities that require greater Nordic coordination:
Electricity demand is growing faster than infrastructure
Electricity consumption is expected to increase substantially as transport and industry continue to electrify. Across the Nordic countries, demand is projected to grow by between 1.2- and 2.6-times current levels by the middle of the century. The analysis identifies the early 2030s as the period of greatest adequacy risk, when demand growth may outpace the expansion of generation capacity and electricity grids.
Critical infrastructure is increasingly exposed
The Nordic energy system depends heavily on cross-border infrastructure, including subsea cables, pipelines and offshore installations. Recent incidents in the Baltic Sea have demonstrated that these assets can be vulnerable to disruption, creating risks that extend across national borders.
Supply chains remain a weak point
The report highlights the challenges associated with replacing critical equipment following major disruptions. Lead times for large transformers can reach 12 to 18 months, while certain high-voltage transmission components can take even longer to replace.
The Arctic and Baltic regions face different security challenges
While the Baltic Sea contains a dense concentration of interconnected infrastructure in a relatively confined area, the Arctic is characterised by vast distances, limited monitoring and slower response times. The report argues that both regions require greater strategic attention within Nordic energy cooperation.
Some of the recommendations in the report proposes that the Nordic countries should:
- develop a common strategic approach to energy security
- strengthen the protection of critical infrastructure
- improve coordination regarding the connection of major new electricity consumers
- enhance preparedness and stockpiling of critical components
- increase the strategic focus on the Arctic and the North Atlantic
Country-specific recommendations can be explored here: Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Faroe Islands, Iceland, Åland and Greenland.
