KEYFACT Energy
Only three wind power projects that together include twelve wind turbines received final permits in 2025, according to a new report from the industry organization Green Power Sweden. Sweden needs significantly more for the expansion to be in line with the Swedish Energy Agency's scenarios.
Nils Grunditz, CEO of Green Power Sweden:
"In order for us to meet our climate goals, secure jobs and Sweden's security, the expansion of renewable energy needs to go much faster. Without new wind power, both Swedish competitiveness and energy supply will deteriorate, in addition to the loss of climate benefits."
Only three wind power projects that were decided in 2025 were granted permits. These three projects involved a total of 12 wind turbines, which together can produce about 0.25 terawatt hours (TWh) of electricity per year. In order for Sweden to reach the Swedish Energy Agency's scenarios by 2035, onshore wind power needs to grow by about 5.4 TWh annually.
Fourteen projects were stopped by the municipal veto or by the Armed Forces, and one was rejected by the review authority.
Ina Müller Engelbrektson, industry lawyer and permit manager at Green Power Sweden:
"The government needs to get the promised incentives for wind power in place so that more municipalities say yes and contribute to electrification. In addition, the Armed Forces must be given a mandate to seek solutions to enable the expansion of renewable electricity production. With the high levels of no-permits in 2025, Sweden risks being left without new wind power projects when electrification takes off."
In the case of offshore wind power, no new decisions on permits were made in 2025 from either courts or the government, despite the fact that many cases are still awaiting decision. The Government has also not proceeded with its proposal for a guidance system for offshore wind power in the exclusive economic zone.
Lina Kinning, Vice President & Head of Offshore Wind Power at Green Power Sweden:
"It is clear that offshore wind power is not a priority right now, neither in the licensing process nor in the development of regulations. This adds uncertainty and further increased risk in a market that is already at a standstill."
On behalf of Green Power Sweden, Westander Climate and Energy has made a statistical compilation of the permitting for onshore wind power during 2014–2025.