CFAs: Research Environment for Electricity Market Design and Regulation (Sweden)

Deadline: 30-Oct-2026

Applications are now open to support the development and long-term strengthening of an academic research environment focused on electricity market design and regulation in Sweden. The programme aims to create structured and ongoing dialogue between academia, research organisations, and authorities working in the electricity market sector. It seeks to ensure that Sweden and its agencies have access to deep, independent expertise while strengthening research and cooperation in electricity markets and power systems.

About the Electricity Market Design and Regulation Research Programme

The initiative supports the development of a strong academic research environment focused on issues related to electricity market design and regulation. It aims to build long-term cooperation between universities, research institutes, and relevant authorities while strengthening knowledge and competence in the electricity market and power system sectors. The programme also encourages international collaboration and seeks to reinforce connections with European policy development and research. How Much Funding Is Available? Up to SEK 15 million per year is available through the programme. A total of SEK 75 million has been allocated for this call. The grant can cover up to 80 percent of total project costs.

Participating organisations must therefore provide at least 20 percent co-financing

What Does the Programme Support? The programme supports research and academic activities relevant to electricity market design and regulation. The initiative focuses on developing an academic environment that can contribute independent expertise and strengthen knowledge in areas connected to electricity markets and power systems. It also seeks to promote long-term cooperation between academia, research actors, and authorities. Research on Electricity Market Design and Regulation The central focus is research relevant to the design and regulation of electricity markets. The programme aims to strengthen the knowledge base available to Sweden and its agencies and support the development of deep and independent expertise in this field. Research activities should contribute to competence and knowledge development in the electricity market and power system sectors. International Collaboration International collaboration is an important part of the initiative. The programme encourages cooperation with international research partners and aims to strengthen the international dimension of Swedish research on electricity market design and regulation. International organisations may participate in projects, although they cannot receive direct funding under the programme. European Policy and Research Links The initiative also seeks to strengthen links between Swedish research and European policy development and research. By reinforcing these connections, the programme aims to support knowledge exchange and strategic cooperation in areas related to electricity markets and power systems. Cooperation Between Academia and Authorities A key objective is to foster structured and ongoing dialogue between academic researchers, other research actors, and authorities in the electricity market sector. This cooperation is intended to ensure that Swedish agencies can access relevant and independent research expertise. The programme therefore places importance on strategic cooperation between participating agencies and academia. Strengthening the Electricity Market Research Environment The initiative is intended to provide long-term support for the development of an academic research environment rather than focusing only on individual research activities.

It aims to:

- Strengthen research capacity in electricity market design and regulation. - Develop competence and knowledge in electricity markets. - Strengthen expertise related to power systems. - Promote international research collaboration. - Support strategic cooperation between academia and relevant agencies. - Reinforce links to European policy development and research. - Provide Sweden and its agencies with access to deep and independent expertise. Who Can Apply? Only Swedish universities and research institutes are eligible to receive funding. The programme allows other organisations, including international partners, to participate in supported projects, but these organisations cannot receive direct funding. Collaboration Requirement Applications must include at least two collaborating universities or research institutes. This requirement is intended to encourage collaboration and strengthen the broader academic research environment in Sweden. Main Applicant Requirement The main applicant must be a Swedish higher education institution. The lead institution is responsible for submitting the application and coordinating the project with the collaborating research organisations. Co-Financing Requirement The programme can provide funding for up to 80 percent of total project costs. Participating organisations must therefore contribute at least 20 percent of the total project costs through co-financing. Applicants should take this requirement into account when preparing their project budgets.

Participation of International Partners

International partners may participate in supported projects where relevant. However, participation does not make an organisation eligible to receive direct programme funding. The funding is available to eligible Swedish universities and research institutes. Long-Term Academic Cooperation The programme is designed to strengthen research cooperation over the long term. By bringing together universities, research institutes, authorities, and other research actors, the initiative aims to create an environment where expertise and knowledge can be developed and shared continuously. Benefits for Sweden’s Electricity Sector A stronger research environment can help improve the availability of independent expertise on electricity market design and regulatio