European Energy has commenced construction on a solar farm project in Skaramala, Sweden, which will be part of a hybrid renewable energy park. Located in the municipality of Tingsryd, the park will integrate the existing wind farm with the new solar farm to optimize land use and grid connection efficiency.
The solar farm is expected to be completed in 2024, with the entire facility generating electricity for the grid by the end of the year. Peter Braun, Country Manager in Sweden at European Energy, highlighted the importance of optimizing space utilization in Sweden, stating, “Even though there are large areas of land in Sweden, we need to optimize the use of space to meet different public interests.”
The hybrid plant will have a total capacity to produce 163 gigawatt hours (GWh) of green electricity per year, with 38 GWh coming from the solar park and the remainder from wind power. Braun emphasized the complementary nature of wind and solar energy, noting that they have different production times during the day and throughout the year.
Regarding the solar park's construction, Braun explained that land preparation has been ongoing for several months. The area has been leveled using soil already on-site to avoid soil transportation. Local subcontractors are employed for the groundwork, further enhancing the project's sustainability.
European Energy plans to enhance biodiversity in the area through various initiatives, including the creation of a pond to favor amphibians, extensive planting of berry and flowering shrubs, and the installation of stone cairns, insect hotels, and birdhouses. Grazing sheep in the park is also under consideration.
