Only three wind power projects, totaling twelve wind turbines, received final permits in 2025, according to a new report from the industry organization Green Power Sweden. Sweden needs significantly more to ensure that the expansion is in line with the Swedish Energy Agency's scenarios.
'In order to meet our climate goals, secure jobs and Sweden's security, the expansion of renewable energy needs to proceed much faster. Without new wind power, both Swedish competitiveness and energy supply will deteriorate, in addition to the climate benefits being lost,' said Nils Grunditz, CEO of Green Power Sweden.
Only three wind power projects that were decided in 2025 were granted permits. These three projects included a total of 12 wind turbines, which together can produce around 0.25 terawatt hours (TWh) of electricity per year. For Sweden to reach the Swedish Energy Agency's scenarios by 2035, onshore wind power needs to grow by around 5.4 TWh annually.
Fourteen projects were stopped by the municipal veto or by the Armed Forces, and one was rejected by the review authority.
'The government needs to get the promised incentives for wind power in place so that more municipalities say yes and contribute to electrification. In addition, the Armed Forces must be given a mandate to seek solutions to enable the expansion of renewable electricity production. With the high levels of non-permits in 2025, Sweden risks being left without new wind power projects when electrification takes off', said lna Müller Engelbrektson, industry lawyer and permit manager at Green Power Sweden.
Regarding offshore wind power, no new decisions on permits were made in 2025 by either the courts or the government, although many cases are still awaiting a decision. The government has also not moved forward with its proposal for an offshore wind power allocation system in the economic zone.
'It is clear that offshore wind power is not currently prioritized, either in permitting or regulatory development. This adds uncertainty and further increased risk to a market that is already at a standstill', said Lina Kinning, vice president & head of offshore wind power at Green Power Sweden.
About the report
On behalf of Green Power Sweden, Westander Climate and Energy has made a statistical compilation of the granting of permits for onshore wind power during 2014–2025.
View the statistical report here
Source: Green Power Sweden
