Gaining energy and saving is part of all scenarios to achieve the climate goals, according to Göran Finnveden.

Even in a future where wind and solar energy have been greatly expanded, and where new nuclear reactors may also have been built in Sweden, the amount of clean energy will be limited. This applies both globally and in Sweden, since the energy systems are interconnected, he says.

- We need to save it so that it suffices as much as possible.

Sweden currently has the lowest electricity price for industry in Europe. The tax exemption on electricity this year amounts to SEK 15.2 billion.

Does this mean that the tax rate on industry is too low?

- There are no easy questions. On the one hand, it may be unfortunate from the climate and energy policy point of view that it reduces the incentives to save energy. On the other hand, we want to protect the Swedish export industry. It is a political balance that must be made. But in the long term, the energy tax for industry needs to be increased so that we reach more similar levels, says Göran Finnveden.

Eliminate fossil subsidies

The same applies to Göran Finnveden's subsidies to fossil fuels such as oil, gas and diesel. They need to be phased out, in the long run, if Sweden is going to be able to keep its promises in the Paris Agreement.

- We should seriously review the subsidies we have today of different varieties. But there is a historical legacy. We need to settle with reason, says Göran Finnveden.

Increased environmental taxes in progress

In the January agreement between the government, the Center Party and the Liberals, a green tax exchange of SEK 15 billion is promised where tax cuts on labor will be exchanged for increased environmental taxes. Which environmental taxes will be raised should the government return next year.

Göran Finnveden believes that industrial emissions are one of several areas that may be suitable for increased environmental taxes.

- You could, for example, look at the tax relief for diesel compared to gasoline. Or tax areas that are generally exempt from taxation or that have very low taxes, such as some food production. Production of beef and milk products causes greenhouse gases. And air travel is very low taxed, he says.

Is there anything you would like to tell SVT News about? Contact us at tips@svt.se.