The Nordic region is widely regarded as a front-runner in the energy transition – with advanced regulatory frameworks, extensive smart meter rollouts, and a strong focus on renewable integration. At the same time, the pace and direction of the grids' digital transformation differ across the region – prompting a closer look at how prepared DSOs are to manage the complexity of tomorrow’s energy system.
With this study, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the current situation in grid connection and grid planning processes across the Nordic countries and to offer concrete insights into the limitations that DSOs encounter in their existing systems and tools, and which opportunities for efficiency and transparency remain untapped.
Through in-depth interviews with DSOs from Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden, this paper identifies key technical and organisational pain points and highlights opportunities for accelerating digital grid readiness.
Selected insights from the report:
- Grid development planning remains largely static: DSOs typically plan network investments five to ten years ahead, but the report reveals that most high-level and technical planning still relies on static assumptions. This approach risks masking local bottlenecks and leading to suboptimal investment decisions. Using scenario-based, data-driven planning instead would mitigate those risks.
- Simulation and contingency analysis are not keeping pace: The report shows that most existing tools are not equipped to evaluate multiple grid development scenarios efficiently. Analyses of new connection types are resource-intensive and the N-1 contingency criterion is still calculated manually in most cases, which limits scalability and increases risk as grids operate closer to capacity.
- Data quality issues continue to affect grid accuracy: Even in advanced digital environments, asset and grid data are often incomplete – particularly in rural and low-voltage networks. DSOs report that verifying network data can take an entire day. Inaccurate or missing data remain a major obstacle to reliable grid calculations and scenario assessments, especially in Denmark.
However, the report does not stop at identifying challenges but also goes a step further to highlight solutions and technological approaches.
The report was conducted by independent consultants in cooperation with envelio GmbH.
