Sweden's recent decision to halt 13 offshore wind projects due to defense concerns has drawn sharp criticism from the European wind energy industry, with WindEurope warning that up to EUR 47 billion (USD 50 billion) in private investments could be lost.
The abrupt cancellation affects major developers such as OX2, Eolus, Orsted, RWE, Freja Offshore, Deep Wind Offshore, and Statkraft. The projects, mostly in early development stages, were intended to bolster Sweden's energy security and competitiveness, according to WindEurope.
WindEurope CEO Giles Dickson stated that Sweden's offshore wind ban stands out, especially given the proactive development seen in other Baltic countries. “Yet again Sweden is bottom of the class on offshore wind. The Swedish Government has been unhelpful on offshore wind for many years. But a plain ban on offshore wind development in large parts of the Baltic Sea is unheard of,” he said, adding that the move contradicts regional efforts to expand offshore energy.
The cancellation highlights the challenges of Sweden's “open-door” approach, which lets developers initiate projects without reconciling with other interests, such as defense.
WindEurope noted that only Sweden and Italy use this model in the EU. Meanwhile, countries like Poland view offshore wind as an opportunity to integrate military technology, such as radar and sonar, to enhance national security.
WindEurope has since engaged with NATO and the European Defence Agency to address Sweden's defense-related concerns surrounding offshore wind development.
