Sweden’s municipalities vetoed 70% of wind projects in the 2020-2022 period, according to a new report commissioned by Svensk Vindenergi, the country’s wind body.
The report, by Westander Klimat och Energi, found that if 63% of these wind projects had received permits and been built, they would contribute to 9% of Sweden’s electricity use.
Tomas Hallberg, responsible for permit issues, at Svensk Vindenergi, said: “It’s serious that municipalities say no so often – we don’t have time for that.
“It is a real hurry now if we are to have a chance of halting climate change.”
The trade group said municipalities have a “central role” in realising the expansion of clean power production.
Sweden’s expansion of electricity production is largely a state matter.
The introduction of a state incentive to municipalities that contribute to expansion is an important measure, the group said.