The energy transition continues to reshape society at a rapid pace. At the same time, issues such as security of electricity supply, resilience and long-term investments have become increasingly important. As we reflect on the first half of the year, KL Industri’s CEO, Tino Gournambassis, shares his thoughts on developments within the industry, the first six months of our 80th anniversary year, and why a strong organisation with reliable delivery capability is essential to supporting tomorrow’s energy infrastructure.
The energy transition continues – but at different speeds
Looking back at the first six months of the year, one observation stands out clearly: the energy transition continues to move forward, but not at the same pace everywhere.
Across Sweden, Denmark and Finland, we see varying needs and different regional conditions. At the same time, electricity supply, grid infrastructure and societal resilience have become significantly more important than they were just a few years ago, as major investments in electrification coincide with an increasingly uncertain geopolitical landscape.
We experience this not only in our conversations with customers, but also through discussions with authorities, regional organisations and other stakeholders. Today, the dialogue is no longer solely about driving the energy transition forward. Increasingly, it is about how we can work together to build an electricity system that is resilient, sustainable and prepared for future demand.
For us, this is an encouraging development. It demonstrates that electricity infrastructure has become a strategic societal priority where experience, long-term thinking and collaboration play an increasingly important role.
80 years of experience – and an organisation that continues to evolve
Internally, the first half of the year has also confirmed that our long-term investments continue to deliver results. Following a slower first quarter, demand has gradually increased, while we have maintained the ability to meet our customers’ individual needs with a high level of delivery reliability.
This capability has not been built overnight. It is the result of 80 years of continuous development—refining our products, strengthening our organisation, improving our ways of working and building long-term relationships with customers and suppliers.
Over the past few years, we have taken significant additional steps in how we operate. We have invested in our production facilities and, together with our highly skilled organisation, developed strong capabilities in material supply and meticulous production planning that enable us to meet the demands of a fast-changing market.
The combination of decades of experience and modern ways of working allows us to plan ahead, work proactively and deliver the reliability our customers depend on when investing in electricity networks and critical energy infrastructure.
While these strengths may not always be the most visible part of our business, we believe they are among our greatest competitive advantages. As electrification places ever higher demands on reliable deliveries and shorter lead times, a well-functioning organisation becomes just as important as the products themselves.
A responsibility that extends beyond our own deliveries
We also recognise that our responsibility extends beyond the products and solutions we deliver.
During the spring, we have participated in several regional initiatives where businesses, public authorities and other organisations collaborate on issues related to future electricity supply, climate transition and societal preparedness. Contributing with the knowledge and experience we have built over many years in the industry is a natural part of our role.
The green transition is about far more than technology. It is about creating the right conditions for investments to move forward and ensuring that electricity infrastructure develops in line with society’s evolving needs. This is why we believe that collaboration between industry, public stakeholders and decision-makers will become even more important in the years ahead.
Long-term decisions create long-term opportunities
We see significant opportunities for both Sweden and the Nordic region in the years to come. At the same time, continued electrification requires stable, long-term frameworks.
Investments in electricity infrastructure are planned over many years and depend on clear and predictable conditions from policymakers. When decisions are made at the right pace, they create stronger opportunities to continue investing, develop expertise and build the infrastructure required to support competitiveness, climate ambitions and a resilient society.
We look forward to continuing to contribute to this development together with our customers, suppliers and partners.
Thank you for an engaging first half of the year
Alongside developments in the industry, we continue to strengthen KL Industri. During the year, we are expanding our organisation with additional expertise and broadening our presence across the Nordic region to meet future demand.
As summer approaches, we would like to extend our sincere thanks to all our employees for your dedication and commitment, to our customers for your continued trust, and to our partners for your valued collaboration throughout the first half of the year.
We wish you all a wonderful summer and look forward to an exciting second half of the year.
Tino Gournambassis
CEO, KL Industri