Catena is helping shape the future conditions for energy sharing
How can local surplus energy from solar panels at a logistics facility benefit more people – even when the power grid has limitations? And what is actually required in terms of responsibilities, regulations, business models, and new ways of working for this to function in practice?
Catena is exploring future solutions for smart and resource-efficient energy sharing at its logistics facilities in Morgongåva – Snesholm 1:16 and Morgongåva 15:33 – where Apotea and Babyland operate. The work is carried out in close collaboration with local stakeholders such as Morgongåva Företagspark and Sala-Heby Energi, the energy consultants FVB, and the academic sector, where the University of Gothenburg and Uppsala University, together with the Foundation for Collaboration between the Universities in Uppsala, Business and Society (STUNS), play a leading role.
The background to the research project is a desire to install additional solar panels at the site, which has been hindered by limitations in the power grid. At the same time, the local energy company Sala-Heby Energi was seeking alternatives to meeting the community’s energy needs without relying on biomass combustion. This led to the idea of allowing surplus electricity from the solar panels to be used directly within the community by converting it into heat – a solution that both relieves pressure on the power grid and reduces the need for traditional district heating. During 2024–2025, the energy system in the area was mapped, and simulations showed that energy sharing with the local community is technically feasible and would result in a more resource-efficient system. At the same time, the assessment was that the solution is not economically viable, primarily due to taxation on energy transfer.
Creating value on multiple levels
The focus of the project going forward is therefore not only to use energy more efficiently, but also to develop solutions that are economically sustainable in the long term and deliver real value for residents, businesses, and society as a whole.
