Creation Covenant Alliance

Sweden Declines 13 Offshore Wind Farms, Approves Vattenfall’s Poseidon Initiative

Sweden rejects 13 Baltic offshore wind farm applications due to defense concerns, approves one west coast project.
Sweden Rejects 13 Offshore Wind Farms, Green Lights Vattenfall's Poseidon Project

The Swedish government has rejected 13 applications to construct offshore wind farms in the Baltic Sea due to defense concerns, while approving one project on the west coast, developed by Vattenfall and Zephyr.

On November 4, the Swedish government announced the rejection of 13 applications to build offshore wind farms in the Baltic Sea, south of the Sea of Åland, which had a potential capacity of nearly 32 GW.

“Based on the Armed Forces’ documentation, the government assesses that constructing these projects would have unacceptable consequences for Sweden’s military defense. In the current serious security situation, with conflict in our immediate area, defense interests must be prioritized,” said Pål Jonson, Sweden’s Minister of Defence.

The government denied OX2’s 5.5 GW Aurora, 3.1 GW Neptunus, 1 GW Pleione, and 1.4 GW Triton projects. Eolus also had two projects denied: 1.4 GW Arkona and 2.2 GW Skibladner.

Sweden also rejected applications from Denmark’s Ørsted for the 1.5 GW Skåne project, RWE’s 2 GW Södra Victoria, Statkraft’s 2.5 GW Baltic Offshore Beta, and 2.1 GW Baltic Offshore Delta North projects.

Proposals from Freja Offshore, a joint venture between Hexicon and Mainstream Renewable Power, part of the Aker Group, were also denied, affecting the Cirrus and Dyning floating offshore wind projects. Dyning was planned to be located southeast of Oxelösund, and Cirrus was to be south of Karlskrona.

Freja Offshore is developing the Mareld floating wind farm off Sweden’s west coast, which received a recommendation from the County Administrative Board of Västra Götaland and is under government review.

Another rejected proposal was from Deep Wind Offshore for the Erik Segersall offshore wind project.

According to the government, the Poseidon project on the west coast, expected to generate about 5.5 TWh of electricity annually, was the only approved wind farm. Vattenfall and Zephyr, with Vattenfall as the majority owner, plan to start construction in 2029, aiming for completion by 2031.

Original Story at www.offshorewind.biz

Trending News

Mississippi River Faces Persistent Saltwater Intrusion, Region Seeks Long-Term Solutions



For the third consecutive year, the Mississippi River is experiencing significant saltwater intrusion, prompting local communities and environmental experts to search for sustainable solutions. This recurring issue arises as the river’s flow decreases, allowing saltwater to move upstream and threaten drinking water supplies. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is actively involved in addressing this problem, employing temporary measures like saltwater barriers to mitigate the impact on affected areas.



Saltwater infiltration poses serious risks to public health and agriculture, as freshwater sources become compromised. The situation is exacerbated by prolonged periods of drought, which have reduced freshwater flow in the Mississippi River. According to the National Weather Service, drought conditions have worsened due to climate change, increasing the frequency and severity of saltwater intrusion events.



Local authorities are collaborating with federal agencies to explore permanent solutions. Among the proposed strategies are enhanced levee systems and improved water management techniques. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is evaluating the feasibility of long-term infrastructure projects to prevent further saltwater encroachment. Additionally, community leaders are advocating for increased funding to support these initiatives and safeguard the region’s water resources.



The impact of saltwater intrusion extends beyond drinking water concerns, affecting local ecosystems and agricultural productivity. Farmers in the region have reported crop damage due to elevated salinity levels in irrigation water. The Natural Resources Conservation Service is working with farmers to implement adaptive practices, such as planting salt-tolerant crops and improving soil management techniques.



As the Mississippi River continues to face challenges from saltwater intrusion, stakeholders emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts and innovative solutions. The ongoing threat underscores the need for comprehensive planning and investment to protect one of America’s most vital waterways from the impacts of climate change and environmental stressors.

November 19, 2024



Environmental activists have raised concerns over the fossil fuel sector’s significant impact on COP29, the latest United Nations Climate Change Conference. Activists argue that the industry’s presence diverts focus from critical climate actions.



The conference, designed to promote global climate agreements, faces criticism for allowing fossil fuel companies to participate extensively. Environmental groups claim these companies undermine efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition to renewable energy sources.



According to Climate Action Network, fossil fuel representatives have increased their lobbying activities, aiming to weaken climate policies. These industries allegedly influence negotiations, leading to watered-down commitments that fail to address the urgency of climate change effectively.



Experts suggest that the influence of these companies stems from financial contributions and longstanding relationships with decision-makers. Critics argue that this affects the conference’s ability to enforce meaningful climate change regulations.



During the event, several protests highlighted the need for transparency and a stronger focus on sustainable energy solutions. Activists are calling for increased participation of renewable energy stakeholders in future conferences.



The controversy surrounding fossil fuel involvement at COP29 underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing industrial interests with the global imperative to combat climate change.



November 19, 2024