Wind Energy in Sweden
2021 wind energy numbers
In 2021, Sweden installed 2042 MW of new wind energy capacity (1403 MW were installed in 2020). At the end of the year, the country’s total installed capacity was 12116 MW from 4679 wind turbines.
Through the EU burden-sharing agreement, Sweden has a goal of greenhouse gas emission reduction of 40% in 2030 in relation to the 2005 level. At the national level, Sweden is to have no net emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere by 2045 and should thereafter achieve negative emissions. To achieve zero net emissions, emissions from activities in Swedish territory are to be at least 85 percent lower than emissions in 1990. Another national goal is to reach 100% renewable electricity pro[1]duction in 2040. The Swedish Energy Agency estimates that the country will need to install an additional 2.5 to 6 TWh of renewable power capacity per year between 2030 and 2040 to reach that goal and that wind power will provide a large part of it.
As Sweden’s primary wind power R, D&D funding agency, the Swedish Energy Agency finances research conducted by universities and industries in several research programs. The overarching goals of wind pow tries in several research programs. The overarching goals of wind power R, D&D are to help Sweden reach its targets and national objectives for a renewable energy system, contribute to business development and increase jobs and exports.
To learn more about wind energy in Sweden, please review their chapter in the IEA Wind TCP 2021 Annual Report.
National Targets
In 2016, the government, the Moderate Party, the Centre Party, and the Christian Democrats reached an agreement on Sweden’s long-term energy policy, although, in 2020, the Moderate party and Christian Democrats left the agreement. The goals were though ratified by the parliament, so they are still valid. They consist of a common roadmap for a controlled transition to an entirely renewable electric power system, with targets as follows:
- By 2030, Sweden’s energy use should be 50% more efficient than in 2005. The target is expressed in terms of energy relatively to GDP.
- By 2040, Sweden should achieve 100% renewable electricity production. This target is not a deadline for banning nuclear power, nor does it mean closing nuclear power plants through political decisions.
- By 2045, Sweden is to have no net emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere; thereafter, the country should achieve negative emissions.
Progress & Operational Details
In 2021, 428 turbines were com[1]missioned with an average nominal capacity of 4.7 MW. All of them were onshore. During 2020, the phase 1 of Markbydgen in Piteå commune was completed. It consists of three different areas (Ersträk, Markbygden ETT, Skogberget) with a total of 283 turbines (2.3 MW, 3.6 MW and 4 MW) for a total of 956 MW. During 2021, 34 turbines (3.5MW and 4.2 MW) were installed. Fully installed in 2026, the project (3 phases) will have 1100 turbines with an annual electricity production of 8-12 TWh.
A clear trend is an increase in the size of turbines, as shown in the figures below. Based on available data from 492 turbines, the rotor diameter of installed turbines during 2021 was 141 m on average, with a nominal power of 4.3 MW.
National RDD Priorities and Budget
In 2021, the Swedish Energy Agency adopted a strategy for research and innovation for the future electric power system. As a result, a new research program was launched in 2022, gathering previous R&D programs within wind power, hydropower, smart grid, solar power, and ocean energy. The new program will support the transition to a sustainable energy system by facilitating the electrification of other sectors and, at the same time, work for an electric power system characterised by the security of supply, competitiveness and ecological and social sustainability.