Cold Weather and Critical Infrastructure—Increased Preparedness Among District Heating Companies in Norrbotten

In Norrbotten, a reliable heat supply is crucial for people, businesses, and critical infrastructure to get through the long winter. But what happens if fuel deliveries are halted, the electricity supply is disrupted, prices rise sharply, or district heating systems are subjected to cyberattacks?

The project “Cold Weather and Critical Infrastructure—Enhanced Preparedness Among District Heating Companies in Norrbotten” aims to strengthen the ability to prevent, manage, and recover from serious disruptions in the heat supply.

From Vulnerability to Action

District heating is a critical infrastructure for society. At the same time, the sector faces an increasingly complex risk landscape characterised by rising fuel prices, uncertain access to raw materials, extreme weather, cyber threats, changing regulations, and a deteriorating security situation. Furthermore, because the heating system is closely interconnected with the electricity supply, transportation, and other critical infrastructures, a disruption can quickly have consequences for society as a whole. The project will therefore address a central question:

How can we ensure an economically sustainable and resilient district heating system in Sweden’s northernmost county—in everyday life, during a crisis, and, ultimately, in the event of war?

The work covers the entire chain, from fuel supply and storage to production, distribution, and customer relations. Economic, technical, climate-related, digital, and geopolitical risks will be identified and analysed in collaboration with the stakeholders responsible for heat supply.

Collaboration is part of preparedness

No single stakeholder can manage the entire risk landscape on its own. Therefore, the project brings together district heating companies, municipalities, the Norrbotten County Administrative Board, and researchers to develop joint solutions.

Among other things, the project will produce:

• a comprehensive risk and vulnerability analysis for district heating in Norrbotten,
• concrete action plans for companies, municipalities, and regional stakeholders,
• a model for collaboration and a clearer division of responsibilities,
• principles for, for example, resource sharing, reserve capacity, and joint preparedness, as well as
• a practical methodology for long-term and systematic emergency preparedness work.
• The goal is to move from fragmented risk assessments and isolated efforts to a shared understanding and enhanced capacity for action.

Norrbotten Can Lead the Way

With its cold climate, vast geographical distances, and high dependence on reliable heating, Norrbotten is a particularly relevant location for developing and testing solutions. The experiences gained here can be of great significance for other parts of Sweden as well.

The project’s results should be directly applicable to the planning and emergency preparedness efforts of district heating companies, municipalities, and the County Administrative Board. The methodology should also be disseminated nationally and contribute to a more robust Swedish heat supply.

It’s not just about keeping homes warm. It’s about keeping society running.

About the Project

Project Name: Cold Weather and Critical Infrastructure—Enhanced Preparedness Among District Heating Companies in Norrbotten

Project partners: Luleå University of Technology, the Norrbotten County Administrative Board, and Kristina Lygnerud AB

In collaboration with: Municipalities and district heating operators in Norrbotten

Project start: October 2026

Funding Agency: Swedish Energy Agency

Project period: October 2026–September 2028