Next year, Svenska Kraftnät is expected to start calling up conscripts for training to ultimately maintain the Swedish power system in the event of war.
By the end of 2028, the number could reach 1,000 people, who will be called up for training on an ongoing basis and in live situations in the event of a high level of preparedness, i.e. a threat of war against Sweden or nearby.
– In the long term, 5,000 more are needed, says Ann-Sofie Fahlgren, who is responsible for power preparedness at Svenska Kraftnät.
But it takes time to build up and train so many people. Compulsory civilian service was abolished by the then Alliance government in 2008, but has now been revived in areas such as municipal emergency services and electricity supply.
Russia's brutal war of aggression against Ukraine has highlighted the importance of power to a country.
– We've always known that, of course, says Fahlgren, but she notes that there are still lessons to be learned from the war, in which Russia hit the Ukrainian power system hard.
These thousands of future civilian conscripts can be volunteers, but they can also be called up because they have valuable knowledge. The main task now is to identify who these people are and where they are, says Fahlgren.
– Electricians of all kinds, says Fahlgren.
The first step is to find people who can step in and repair damaged power lines or man hydroelectric plants. A certain geographical perspective is taken into account.
In peacetime, it is about the obligation to attend training courses.
- Periodic refresher training is vital.