Orsted has submitted to the Swedish authorities for assessment and approval the environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the up to 1.5GW Skane offshore wind farm off southern Sweden.
The report outlines the project’s impact on the environment and the efforts Orsted will take to deal with them.
Orsted senior market developer for offshore wind in Sweden Beatrice Teurneau said: “It feels very good to submit the environmental impact statement, on which we have put a lot of work and energy.
“We are now awaiting the authorities’ views. We will use the time to continue to develop our contacts and cooperation with the community and business community in the vicinity, with potential suppliers and other interested parties.”
Orsted added that a political decision to expand Sweden’s main grid at sea and clarify the permit and allocation processes would greatly improve the country’s opportunities to fully realise offshore wind potential.
Meanwhile, the European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a €500m loan with Orsted to support the latter’s increased Capex programme on renewable energy projects.
The deal also supported the conclusion of the 752MW Borssele 1&2 offshore wind farms off the Netherlands with a long-term commitment from the EIB.
Orsted head of treasury and capital planning Kasper Kiim Jensen said: “We’re very pleased with the commitment from EIB and the strong support they are showing for Orsted’s investments into the Borssele 1 and 2 wind farms and renewable energy in general.
“With this loan Orsted has secured long-term financing for the project, which is a key enabler towards succeeding with our aspiration to become the world’s leading green energy major.”
EIB vice-president Kris Peeters said: “The EIB has a long history when it comes to financing wind power, from the R&D of the technology to the turbines, as well as some of the largest wind parks in Europe, ultimately helping to bring down the prices for wind energy.
“Renewable energy will continue to gain importance as we move towards full decarbonisation.
“The EIB remains committed to financing this transition and is happy to financially support Orsted’s role in this.”