Publications

Survey of Energy Resources 2007

Peat Country Notes

Sweden

In Western Europe, the extent of Sweden's peatlands (64 000 km² with a peat layer thicker than 30 cm) is second only to Finland's: the deposits are distributed throughout the country, being particularly extensive in the far north.

Energy peat production has been gradually increasing in recent years and is now in the region of 1.3 million tonnes per annum.

The use of peat as a household fuel has never been of much significance. Production of peat for industrial energy use began during the 19th century and, after reaching a peak level during World War II, declined to virtually zero by 1970. Use of peat as a fuel for power stations and district heating plants started in the mid-1980s and now constitutes by far the greater part of consumption. In 2004, CHP plants accounted for 71% of total consumption, heat plants for 26% and industrial users for the remaining 3%.