Swedish Government Has Turned Down Approval For 13 Offshore Wind Sites

• The Swedish government has rejected 13 offshore wind projects
• For national defense concerns.  
• Approved one offshore wind project

"The government believes that the construction of current projects in the Baltic Sea area will have unacceptable consequences for Sweden's defense," Johnson said at a press conference. Photo: Universal, iStock

The Swedish government ultimately rejected 13 applications for offshore wind farms in the Baltic Sea, south of the Åland Sea. The rejected projects include Arkona, Aurora, Baltic Offshore Beta, Baltic Offshore Delta North, Cirrus, Swell, Erik Segersal, Neptune, Pleon, Ski Blades, Skåne Offshore Wind Park, Southern Victoria and Triton.

Despite the advantages of fossil-free electricity and precautionary measures, the authority has stated that the projects are unlikely to be approved because they would threaten national defense interests.

As a result, Hexicon's long-standing joint venture company, Freja Offshore, will stop developing the Cirrus and Dining projects in Sweden. Freja Offshore, a collaboration between Hexicon and Mainstream Renewable Power (part of the Aker Group), has been developing offshore wind farms in Sweden since 2021. The company is also working on the Mareld wind farm on Sweden’s west coast. In June, the project received a recommendation from the county administrative board of Västra Götaland County and is being reviewed by the Swedish government.

Sweden’s defense minister, Pääl Jönsson, explained that wind power installations could affect defense capabilities, interfere with sensors and radars, and complicate the detection of submarines or potential air attacks in wartime. The only project approved is Poseidon, which will feature 81 wind turbines generating 5.5 terawatt hours annually off Stenungsund on Sweden’s west coast. The Swedish government has announced that it will reject 13 applications for offshore wind farms in the Baltic Sea, south of the Åland Sea. The rejected projects include Arkona, Aurora, Baltic Offshore Beta, Baltic Offshore Delta North, Cirrus, Swell, Erik Segersal, Neptune, Pleon, Ski Blades, Scan Offshore Wind Park, Southern Victoria and Triton.

Despite the proposed benefits of fossil-free electricity and precautionary measures, the government said the projects could not be approved due to the impact on national defense interests. As a result, Hexicon’s joint venture company, Freja Offshore, will cease developing the Cirrus and Dining projects in Sweden.

Sweden’s Defense Minister, Pál Jónsson, Photo: X 

Freja Offshore, a collaboration between Hexicon and Mainstream Renewable Power (part of the Aker Group), has been working on building offshore wind farms in Sweden since 2021. The company is also working on the Mareld wind farm on Sweden’s west coast. In June, the project received a recommendation from the County Administrative Board of Västra Götaland County and is being reviewed by the Swedish government.

Sweden’s Defense Minister, Pál Jónsson, explained that wind power installations could affect defense capabilities, interfere with sensors and radars, and complicate the detection of submarines or potential air attacks in wartime. The only project approved is Poseidon, which will feature 81 wind turbines generating 5.5 terawatt hours annually off Stenungsund on Sweden’s west coast.

Poseidon Offshore Wind Farm

Poseidon floating offshore wind firm, with a power of 1400 MW, the first offshore air project has been identified as a significant milestone as an installation allowed in the depth of the great sea. It is located in the southern Scagrec near Stenungsund on the west coast, expected to generate 5.5 THHs per year between 3 of the electricity price range. The farm is being developed by Vatnetf and JeffVendind.

Climate and Environment Minister Romina Pomokhatri says: "To create a condition of fossil-free electricity generation, the government allowed the southern Scagrachek sea-based air farm Posidon outside the official stenosed.' Posaidon will be able to distribute up to 5.5 THH annually between the range of electricity prices between 3,' which I think is very expected by the business community of West Sweden. "

This project has been given only some significant conditions for approval, the government has made it compulsory to cooperate with the Swedish Maritime Administration, Swedish Transport Agency, Swedish Armed Forces, and Professional Fishing Agency. The final design must consult with the Swedish armed forces. Additional approval will be required to establish the underwater cables and connect the air farm to the mainland grid. The project must be finished by 2034.

Already approved Gallen and Categat ced air can increase fossil-free power generation to POSIDON SE3 and SE4, which adds 12 THH annually.

'Poseidon will be able to distribute up to 5.5 THH annually between the range of electricity price between 3.' Photo: Universal, iStock

This increase is imperative to meet the demand for electricity in these regions, where the production deficit continues. At least electricity generation at low -marginal costs is expected to stabilize electricity prices and increase Sweden's economic competition, especially in Western Sweden's industrial sector.

In conclusion, the Swedish government has confirmed national protection by rejecting 15 offshore window firm applications in the Baltic Sea. Poseidon, a landmark floating offshore project approved, will contribute to Sweden's fuel needs, contribute to renewable fuel goals, and will be important to support economic stability. The success of the project is to meet the strict regulatory situation, to develop energy development, and to ensure the balance between defense considerations. The government's view of the national interest reflects a cautious but expected strategy to increase fossil-free electricity.