ENERGY
Sweden Approves Two Offshore Wind Projects While Rejecting Eleven Over Defense Concerns
The Swedish government has completed its review of pending offshore wind applications, approving two projects while rejecting eleven others due to conflicts with military defense interests.
offshorewind.biz
· 2 MIN read
· OFFSHORE WIND
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Approved Projects Face Market Challenges
Two offshore wind developments received government approval: the Fyrskeppet Offshore project, situated 54 kilometers east of Söderhamn in the southern Gulf of Bothnia, and the Vidar project, located 35 kilometers southwest of Strömstad in the northern Skagerrak.
Fyrskeppet Offshore, developed by Skyborn Renewables, is authorized for up to 93 wind turbines with expected annual generation of 8-11 TWh. The 2 GW Vidar project, a joint venture between Vattenfall and Zephyr, would feature up to 75 turbines generating up to 7.8 TWh annually.
Despite receiving approval, Vattenfall CEO Anna Borg announced the company would not proceed with the Vidar project immediately, citing unfavorable current market conditions that make the development commercially unviable.
Defense Concerns Block Multiple Developments
Eleven offshore wind projects were rejected after the Swedish Armed Forces determined they would conflict with areas designated as nationally important for military defense. The rejected applications include Bothnia Offshore Lambda North, Bothnia Offshore Sigma, Eystrasalt Offshore, and eight other proposed developments.
Government officials stated that despite the projects' potential contribution to fossil-free electricity generation and proposed mitigation measures, current conditions do not permit their advancement due to defense considerations. However, these sea areas could be reconsidered for future offshore wind development once Sweden transitions to an auction-based system.
Both approved projects must be completed within ten years by 2036 and will require additional permits for subsea export cables before construction can begin. The decisions follow earlier government approvals of three other offshore wind farms and rejections of 13 additional projects in November 2024.