Wind energy in Sweden has experienced a remarkable start in 2024, making it one of the leaders in the European renewable energy sector. By the end of 2023, the country had reached a total wind power capacity of 16.4 GW—the fifth highest in Europe. Wind farms in Sweden contributed 20.9% of the national electricity generation in 2023, a tremendous growth from just 0.3% in 2000.

According to Blackridge Research’s Sweden wind database, Sweden has 138 offshore wind farm projects of which 5 are currently operating. Fourteen of them are either consented or have applied for consent.

The Swedish Wind Energy Association predicts that wind power in Sweden will increase from today’s 46 TWh to at least 120 TWh in 2040. This renewable energy target is supported by upcoming wind farms like Sylen Offshore Wind Farm, Gavle East and West, Baltic Central, and Eystrasalt wind farms.

This blog will explore the top upcoming offshore wind power plants in Sweden, their capacity, project status, and more.

Wind Farms in Sweden: Top Upcoming Projects in 2025

Sylen Offshore Wind Farm

The Sylen Offshore Wind Farm is the largest upcoming wind farm in Sweden and is currently in the pre-construction stage. The wind project developed by Svea Vind Offshore AB, is located in the South Bothnian Sea, within Sweden's economic zone. Once operational, the Sylen Wind Farm will have an installed capacity of approximately 8.7 GW and generate an estimated 29 TWh annually. This will be equivalent to about 20% of Sweden’s total current electricity production.

The project consists of up to 347 fixed-bottom offshore wind turbines, each with a maximum height of 350 meters with transformer and converter stations, and underwater cables for electricity transmission. The Sylen offshore wind farm located approximately 50 km off the coast of Söderhamn will cover an area of around 524 square kilometers.

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During the construction phase, the wind farm will gather investments worth up to SEK 37 billion and create between 960 and 1,260 new jobs in Gävleborg and Dalarna. Considering the environmental impact, Sylen’s renewable energy production could reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 21 million tonnes. The project is expected to be commissioned in 2033, pending government approval under the Swedish Economic Zone Act and Continental Shelf Act.

Gävle Öst Offshore Wind Farm

The Gävle Öst Offshore Wind Farm, also known as Gävle East (Gävle Öst Havsvindpark), is a concept-stage renewable energy project planned by Ørsted in the Uppsala region of Sweden. The wind farm has a planned capacity of 5.5 GW, featuring between 192 and 324 offshore wind turbines, each with a capacity ranging from 15 MW to 25 MW.

In April 2024, the Finnish Environment Agency initiated an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the consultation of the wind farm. The wind farm will feature three large substations or up to ten smaller ones, with dimensions varying from 70x100x90 meters to 80x180x90 meters.

The project's timeline includes extensive site investigations from 2025 to 2028 and laying the groundwork for subsequent phases. Installation of onshore export cables and substations is planned between 2030 and 2031. It is followed by the offshore substation installation from 2029 to 2032.

Gävle Väst Offshore Wind Farm

The Gävle Väst, or Gävle West Offshore Wind Park, is one of the largest upcoming wind farms currently in early development in Swedish waters. The wind project located off the coast of Gävle, Älvkarleby, Tierp, and Östhammar will cover an extensive area of 1,050 square kilometers. With a planned capacity of 5,500 MW, it is one of the mega offshore wind energy projects led by Ørsted in Sweden.

Ørsted applied for permits in January 2023 along with other four major offshore wind power plants in Sweden. Surveys are scheduled to take place over eight months in 2024, gathering essential data to support the project's planning and permitting phases.

Baltic Central Offshore Wind Farm

The Baltic Central Havsvindpark is a major offshore wind project planned off the coast of Karlskrona, Sweden. Covering an expansive area of 756 square kilometers, this project is set to boost Sweden's renewable energy infrastructure. The Baltic Central will have a total capacity of up to 4 GW and generate more electricity than the total consumption of the Scania region.

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The Swedish wind farm is scheduled to commence operations in 2032 and provide renewable electricity to the Swedish grid. This large-scale development aligns with Sweden's long-term strategy to expand its renewable sources.

Eystrasalt Offshore Wind Farm

The Eystrasalt Offshore Wind Farm is one of the largest upcoming wind farms planned in the Gulf of Bothnia, approximately 60 kilometers east of Hudiksvall in Sweden’s economic zone. The wind farm is developed and fully owned by Skyborn Renewables. The Eystrasalt wind project will have a total capacity of 3,900 MW supported by 256 offshore wind turbines with a maximum height of 370 meters.

Once operational, the wind farm is expected to produce 15 TWh of electricity annually which is equivalent to 10% of Sweden's current electricity demand. The site was selected due to its excellent wind conditions, favorable water depths, and strategic proximity to both northern Sweden and Finland.

The project is currently in the advanced permitting stage, with the County Administrative Board of Gävleborg recommending government approval. Skyborn Renewables submitted the permit application in April 2023, and construction is anticipated to begin in 2025. The wind farm will enter commercial operation in phase in 2029, with full completion expected in the mid-2030s.

Wind Energy In Sweden: Current and Future Outlook

In November 2024, the Swedish Government announced the cancellation of 13 offshore wind power projects with a combined capacity of nearly 32 GW. Citing concerns about “unacceptable consequences for Sweden’s military defense,” the government decided to close an entire area of the Baltic Sea for offshore wind development without conducting a thorough assessment.

This decision affects key projects such as Arkona, Aurora, Baltic Offshore Beta, Baltic Offshore Delta North, Cirrus, Erik Segersäll, Neptune, Pleione, Skåne Offshore Wind Park, Ski Blades, Southern Victoria, Swell, and Triton. The move puts private investments of up to EUR 47 billion at risk and could significantly impact Sweden’s clean energy ambitions.

Another major factor behind the large-scale cancellations is Sweden’s “open-door” approach to offshore wind development. This system allows developers to initiate projects independently, selecting sites and defining capacities without prior coordination with national interests. While it offers flexibility and cost-competitive advantages, the open-door model often leads to conflicts over sea space and overlapping projects.

In contrast, most EU countries use a centralized approach where governments pre-select and assess sites, ensuring alignment with broader national priorities and minimizing conflicts—an approach seen as more reliable for attracting investment.

Offshore Wind in Sweden: Outlook

Sweden wind energy market holds immense potential, with 440 TWh of offshore capacity under development. Currently, 190 TWh of this capacity is seeking permits, and securing these permits is essential for advancing investments. Notably, around 10 TWh of offshore wind projects have already received approval for production before 2030, primarily targeting the energy-intensive southern regions.

The Gulf of Bothnia and the Baltic Sea are key areas for offshore expansion. Projects like the Eystrasalt Offshore Wind Farm and the proposed developments near Gävle demonstrate the strategic importance of offshore resources in Sweden’s energy transition.

Looking ahead, the Swedish Wind Energy Association (SWEA) projects cumulative wind power capacity will reach 19.5 GW by the end of 2026. Longer-term forecasts from Blackridge’s Sweden wind energy report suggest even more ambitious growth, estimating that Sweden's wind power capacity could rise to 30 GW by 2030.

In the fourth quarter of 2023, Sweden recorded orders for 730 MW of new wind turbines, marking the fourth-best quarter to date. This surge followed a total of 1,973 MW of newly commissioned wind capacity during the year, signaling a strong recovery from a subdued 2022.

Challenges Facing Wind Power Development

Despite the positive outlook, several challenges threaten to slow Sweden’s offshore and onshore wind power expansion:

• Permit Process Delays: Efficient permit processing remains a critical hurdle. Complex regulatory frameworks and lengthy approval times can delay project timelines, impacting investor confidence.

• Municipal Veto Power: In the first half of 2024, municipal vetoes halted 12 onshore wind farm projects, affecting 143 turbines that could have produced 3.4 TWh. Additionally, one offshore project with 167 turbines, capable of generating 12.5 TWh, was rejected. Addressing these local-level obstacles is vital for future growth.

• Competition from Neighboring Countries: Aggressive wind power development in neighboring countries poses a competitive challenge.

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Government Initiatives and Positive Developments

The Swedish government has recognized wind power’s crucial role in achieving net-zero emissions by 2045. Key initiatives include:

• Budget Commitments: The 2025 budget emphasizes the link between wind power production, electrification, and climate transition, highlighting wind energy as essential for short-term electricity supply.

• Incentives for Municipalities: The government is introducing incentives and a revenue-sharing model to encourage local support for wind projects.

• Investment Support: “Kraftlyftet” offers SEK 700 million in funding to enhance the electricity system with complementary technologies, supporting grid stability and capacity expansion.

Conclusion

Sweden's offshore wind power sector holds a great potential to be top in the country's renewable energy mix. The projects like Sylen and Eystrasalt are ready to boost the country’s transition from fossil fuel to clean energy. However, challenges such as energy policy cancellations, permit delays, and municipal opposition must be addressed. Streamlining permit processes, addressing municipal concerns, and adopting a more coordinated approach will be essential to harnessing Sweden's full offshore wind potential. With continued investment and strategic support, Sweden will be a leader in renewable energy projects in the world.

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