Eolus has been granted an environmental permit for a wind farm east of Marbäck in Sweden.
The Marbäck wind farm will consist of eight wind turbines with an estimated annual production of approximately 200GWh of renewable electricity – enough to meet the annual household electricity needs of around 40,000 homes.
In September 2024, the Ulricehamn municipal council approved the environmental assessment of the project.
Now, the Environmental Permit Delegation at the County Administrative Board of Västra Götaland (EPD) has granted Eolus an environmental permit to build the wind farm.
Per Witalisson, chief executive of Eolus, said: “This is a positive decision both for us as a company and for the region of Västra Götaland, which urgently needs fossil-free electricity.
“Considering that a large majority of planned wind farms have been halted due to municipal vetoes in the past years, it is very positive that Ulricehamn Municipality approved the Marbäck wind farm and that EPD has now granted permission for its construction.”
The permit decision is based on the environmental impact assessment and other documentation submitted by Eolus and other stakeholders.
The authorities have concluded that the project complies with the provisions of the Swedish Environmental Code.
Västra Götaland has a significant need for fossil-free electricity to enable the ongoing transition in the industrial and transport sectors.
The Marbäck wind farm will provide benefits to the local community, including community funding for local associations, compensation for nearby residents, land lease payments, and the government-promised compensation to the municipality equivalent to the property tax for wind power.
The County Administrative Board’s decision will now be formally announced, and affected parties will have the opportunity to appeal.
Eolus can take the next steps to prepare for an investment decision once the ruling becomes legally binding.
The wind farm is expected to be operational by 2028/2029.