When energy becomes a tool of power, the playing field for society changes. At Elmässan in October, security expert Freddy Jönsson Hanberg will explain why the electrical system is both our greatest strength—and our greatest vulnerability.
From Total Defense to Energy Security
Freddy Jönsson Hanberg has a long background in total defense and security. With experience from the Swedish Armed Forces, the Total Defense Foundation, and NATO, he has seen how dependence on energy is critical for everything from military operations to essential societal functions.
“My interest in energy issues grew when I realized that energy supply is often the weakest link—both in crises and in conflicts,” he explains.
When Energy Becomes a Weapon
These are uncertain times in Europe, with an unstable security-political landscape. Energy is no longer just a matter of economy and the environment—it’s also a matter of security policy.
“We see how gas, oil, and electricity are used as leverage. The threats are not only about supply interruptions but also cyberattacks, infrastructure sabotage, and vulnerabilities in supply chains,” says Jönsson Hanberg. For Sweden, which recently became a NATO member, an interruption in Finland or the Baltics can quickly have direct consequences at home.
NATO Exercise NORDIC PINE
As exercise leader for one of NATO’s largest civilian exercises, NORDIC PINE, Jönsson Hanberg has gained unique insights into how the military, authorities, and companies can collaborate on energy issues. The 2024 exercise focused on hybrid threats to renewable energy systems, simulating everything from cyberattacks and disinformation to physical sabotage.
“It’s largely about building trust between civilian and military actors, and creating the ability to act quickly when energy is threatened,” he says.
The 2025 exercise is planned on an even larger scale, with 150 participants from 19 countries. The focus will be cross-border collaboration in Northern Europe and managing more complex scenarios where cyberattacks, sabotage, and economic pressures occur simultaneously.
Message to Elmässan Visitors
At Elmässan, Freddy Jönsson Hanberg will present “Energy as a Weapon – How Does It Affect You?”. He aims to provide visitors with both strategic and practical perspectives.
“I want to explain why the war in Ukraine affects electricity prices in Sweden, but also how a company can prepare for disruptions in energy supply,” he says.
He wants to give visitors insight into how energy today is a tool of power and emphasizes that energy is the bloodstream of a modern society. When electricity is down, everything stops: healthcare, transport, defense, and communication. That’s why energy is often the first target in conflicts.
Electrical Security – More Than Just Operational Downtime
For companies in the electricity and energy sector, the message is clear: electrical security is more than just operational interruptions and workplace safety.
“It’s also about cybersecurity, protecting facilities against sabotage, and having the ability to continue supplying energy under pressure,” he explains.
His three top priorities for the industry are:
Want to Learn More?
Don’t miss Freddy Jönsson Hanberg’s lecture “Energy as a Weapon – How Does It Affect You?” at Elmässan in Stockholm on October 15–16.
