The CEO’s column
As we approach the summer of 2026, we sadly find ourselves in a world that feels even more uncertain than it did at this time last year. Apart from the human suffering, the war in the Middle East has made an already unstable situation worse and created more uncertainty in the global economy.
Consequently, the long-awaited recovery of the Swedish economy, of which we could see signs towards the end of last year, has been set back once more. Global trade is fundamentally resource-efficient and growth-creating, but it can also create vulnerabilities when individual disruptions lead to a global shortage of critical raw materials and highly specialised products. A major oil crisis caused by the closure of the Hormuz Strait was something that could be widely expected, but that it would cause a shortage of the raw materials needed for the manufacturing of products such as artificial fertiliser, semiconductors and medical equipment may well have come as a surprise to many of us.
The impact this crisis will have on the global economy is uncertain, but it has renewed discussion about global oil dependence and vulnerabilities created by fossil fuels. Given the climate crisis we are currently experiencing, we may be forgiven for thinking that this issue would be high on every country’s agenda, but as we all know, awareness of a crisis is easier to achieve by a sudden event, such as an unexpected energy shortage, than by more protracted events, such as climate change. After the oil crises in the 1970s, Sweden decided to reduce its oil dependence by stimulating a transition to other fuels for heating. That was the start of a process that have led us to the point where emissions of carbon dioxide from heating are now very low, an achievement in which the district heating system has played a decisive role. If a new crisis awareness, regardless of cause, can hasten the transition to fossil-free energy sources around the world, it will of course be to the benefit of the climate.
Global turmoil has generated considerable focus on the security and preparedness of all elements of our society. Not least the need for robust, effective and sustainable systems for energy and water, which are seeing high levels of activity fortunately.
In this issue of FVB-Nytt, you can read about investment in remote cooling in Varberg, where a solution has been created through an integrated system using geocooling, absorption cooling and compressor cooling, which is significantly more efficient that traditional alternatives. This is an excellent example of how system-thinking and sector connections can save electricity and mitigate climate impact. FVB has had a comprehensive role in the project, including project management, design, procurement support and commissioning.
In this issue, you can also read about the development of water stations, a solution combining preparedness with resource-efficient and controlled water use. By setting up secure and measurable outlets strategically located for drinking water and raw water, good access to water is provided whilst relieving pressure on the drinking water network.
Furthermore, you can read about the project for the sewage treatment plant in Strängnäs, where modernisation and development of the plant is a response to tougher environmental requirements and growing demand. With climate change, urbanisation and growing demand for filtration, investment in our water systems become more important. Such systems also play a vital role with regard to the robustness of the public supply system. FVB was responsible for the automation solution, which is key to the plant’s function, efficiency and reliability.
Another important question addressed in this issue is work being done to reduce system temperatures in the district heating grid. Lower system temperature is the key to higher efficiency and better resource utilisation. Lower temperatures reduce heat loss in the grid and improve the chances of retaining low-temperature surplus heat, using heat pumps efficiently and integrating new energy sources. At a time when every kilowatt hour counts, this is one of the most cost-effective measures to boost the competitiveness of district heating. But to succeed, collaboration between the energy company and the customer is often required, along with the right incentive. FVB has worked on this question for many years, and in this issue we provide good advice to energy companies that want to bring down their temperatures another notch.
Common to all these examples is that they show the importance of a cohesive approach. Energy systems, water systems and other infrastructure are connected systems, and the solutions are often found in the interface between different areas. This is also where FVB’s high system skills come into play.
International collaboration and knowledge exchange become even more important in a world in which energy issues are global in nature but must be resolved locally. Alongside our work in Sweden, we therefore continue to extend our international presence and collaboration via our subsidiaries in Canada, the USA and the United Kingdom. The aim of reducing climate impact through the conversion of energy systems is common to all our customers in these countries, even though the prevalent conditions can vary considerably. This creates good opportunities to exchange ideas and experience. This issue contains an article about a conference held at the Swedish embassy in Washington for which FVB was the initiator, and that is an excellent example of how we can share our experience and benefit from new perspectives.
Let me take this opportunity to thank all our customers and partners for successful collaboration over the last six months and wish you all a wonderful summer.
Per Skoglund,
CEO FVB Sweden
