Eolus submits application for 2.2-GW Swedish floating wind farm

Swedish renewables developer Eolus Vind AB (STO:EOLU-B) has submitted an application to the Swedish government to build the 2.2-GW Skidbladner floating offshore wind farm, the company said on Monday.

The project is located about 100 km (62 miles) southeast of Stockholm and 20 km north of Gotska Sandon, and will have up to 147 wind turbines. It is expected to be realised by 2033 and to generate 11.7 TWh per year, equivalent to half of Stockholm County’s electricity consumption now, the developer pointed out.

“Given the enormous need for new electricity production in Sweden, offshore wind power will need to be expanded gradually over many years to come,” commented Eolus chief executive Per Witalisson.

Eolus is developing several offshore wind farms in Sweden, including two in the Swedish economic zone off Gotland, namely Skidbladner and Herkules.

“The goal is for Gotland to have a completely renewable energy system by 2040, and initiatives like the Skidbladner offshore wind farm fit very well into that plan,” said Lars Thomsson, coordinator of Energy Island Gotland.

The Skidbladner project was previously part of a joint venture with Irish floating offshore wind developer Simply Blue Group, of which Eolus agreed to take full ownership earlier this year.

According to a recent report by RenewableUK, Sweden has one of the largest offshore wind pipelines, standing at 68 GW.

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