Freja Offshore has obtained a crucial Natura 2000 permit from the County Administrative Board of Västra Götaland for its 2.5GW Mareld offshore wind farm in Sweden, planned 40km west of Lysekil, offshore Bohuslän in the Swedish Economic Zone (SEZ).
The permit is one of three required for construction.
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The next steps involve obtaining government approval for the remaining permits under the SEZ Act and the Continental Shelf Act.
The company has stated in a press release that these permits have already been recommended by the County Administrative Board and SGU.
Mareld will generate 12 terawatt hours (TWh) annually, supplying electricity to two million households.
With electricity demand in western Sweden projected to double by 2030 due to industrial energy transitions, Mareld will play a vital role in meeting the region’s renewable energy needs.
Natura 2000 is a network of protected areas across the EU aimed at achieving biodiversity objectives.
The Bratten sea area, adjacent to Mareld’s permit location, offers an ecosystem crucial for marine species and habitats.
The permit indicates that the project can proceed while considering the area’s high conservation values, demonstrating that offshore wind power can coexist with protected environments.
Freja Offshore board chairman Marcus Thor stated: “The Natura 2000 permit is welcome news and confirms our commitment to creating a sustainable wind farm that respects sensitive natural values. We are now working carefully to review the additional conditions that the permit entails for us.
“Mareld, which will be one of Sweden’s largest offshore wind farms, is a crucial piece of the puzzle to meet West Sweden’s growing electricity needs.
“Now we look forward to receiving a positive message from the government about the remaining permit applications in order to be able to deliver electricity on time when the need is realised.”
