Nordic energy company Ilmatar has formally applied for an environmental permit to develop a 450MW solar farm in Sweden.
The proposed Tönnersjö solar farm, covering 450ha, is situated in Halland County, in the southwestern region of the country.
This application marks a significant step for Ilmatar, as its project applications to authorities are now more than 1GW, with a focus on high-demand regions such as southern Sweden.
The planning for the Tönnersjö solar farm commenced in 2022, following a land lease agreement with Silvestica Green Forest, the forest owner.
Ilmatar permitting head Robert Wedmo said: “Solar power stands out as the fastest-growing energy production method. Ilmatar has now passed a one-gigawatt milestone in solar energy permit applications for Sweden – a significant addition to electricity production that can be built quickly.”
Ilmatar Sweden country director Christian Gustafsson said: “In just two years in Sweden, Ilmatar has contributed to signficant shifts in the Swedish renewable energy landscape.
“With over six gigawatts in our project, we are pioneering a novel approach to power generation, prioritising areas with minimal ecological impact.
“Next to none of our ongoing projects are planned on agricultural land. The focus is mainly on areas with low nature values, such as impediments and production forests. We are ready for substantial development, merely awaiting permits and gird connections.”
The site for the solar farm is primarily composed of production forests that are ready for harvesting, while areas of high natural value have been excluded from the development plan.
The environmental impact assessments and consultations have been completed, leading to the submission of the permit application to the Halland County authorities.
In November last year, the company secured €500m in funding, from Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), Kommunal Landspensjonskasse (KLP), and P Capital Partners (PCP).
This debt financing was aimed at accelerating the expansion of Ilmatar's renewable energy portfolio and solidifying its status as an independent power producer in the Nordic region.
The investment was also in line with the company's strategy to construct, own, and operate renewable power generation projects.
