COWI wins Sweden’s largest electrical grid project

03 February 2025

COWI, together with Tyréns and Dalekovod-Projekt, has won the contract for the largest power transmission project ever in Sweden, with Tyréns as the main consultant. The contract with Svenska kraftnät is worth SEK 700 million.

The Karlstadbenet project will secure the transmission of electricity from northern to southern Sweden. The customer, Svenska kraftnät is the responsible authority for the national power transmission system.

Karlstadbenet consists of two new 460-kilometre-long parallel 400 kV powerlines. The power line will increase the transmission capacity in the main grid between northern and southern Sweden and enable more electricity usage and production.

Paving the way for the green transition

Without increased transmission capacity, Swedish industry growth and job security are at risk. Indeed, this project is essential for economic growth and the green transition.

"This project is essential for securing the electrification of Sweden and future-proofing critical infrastructure. "

Susanna Ohlin, Senior Vice President, Infrastructure at COWI

The largest consultancy procurement ever

The SEK 700 million assignment is Svenska Kraftnät's largest consultancy procurement ever made. One single consultant will handle the project from initial investigations to detailed design and construction support, enabling parallel processes and reducing the overall timeframe.

"Recognising the urgency of strengthening the national grid, we are thrilled to collaborate closely with Tyréns and Dalekovod-Projekt on this project. We accept the challenge to complete it as quickly as possible. Timely completion is crucial for securing jobs and boosting investment in the green economy”

Annika Bergholtz, Senior Project Director at COWI

Project scope

The assignment includes the entire design process, from initial investigations to detailed design and support during construction. This encompasses field investigations, preliminary alignment, constructability analyses, basis for public consultations, concession applications, environmental impact assessments and detailed design for the construction works.

Key to winning

While technical excellence was essential for winning, it was not the only factor, explains Annika Bergholtz.

"In our proposal, we demonstrated a genuine commitment and a methodical approach to collaboration and planning, which were crucial factors in securing the project," says Annika Bergholtz.

Facts about Karlstadbenet

Total consultancy fee: SEK 700 million.
The planning phase starts in February/March 2025.
Construction starts in 2030.
Commissioning is estimated for 2035.
The total project cost is estimated to be SEK 16 billion.