Swedish municipalities have vetoed 26 out of 29 proposed onshore wind projects so far in 2025, effectively blocking the development of nearly all planned new turbines this year, according to new data compiled by Westander Climate and Energy on behalf of Green Power Sweden.
The rejected projects represent 346 of a total 359 proposed turbines, with a combined potential generation capacity of 7.3 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity, the report showed.
“In practice almost all projects are being stopped, and investment in new renewable electricity risks disappearing altogether,” said Ina Müller Engelbrektson, legal counsel at Green Power Sweden.
The findings reflect a notable shift compared to the previous five years, when municipalities approved approximately 50–70% of wind power applications, according to the organisation.
Sweden’s national government had announced measures in September 2024 aimed at increasing local acceptance of wind power. These included compensation for municipalities equivalent to wind power property tax revenues, along with financial incentives for residents and communities near proposed projects. However, Green Power Sweden said these measures have not yet been put into effect.
“For municipalities to say yes, government must immediately ensure that compensation is paid out and that promised incentives are put in place. Every month of delay means projects are postponed or never happen,” Engelbrektson added.
The data also shows pronounced regional disparities. In the Dalarna region, all wind proposals have been blocked in 2025, despite warnings that a lack of new electricity supply could impact two-thirds of local businesses by 2030. In Kronoberg, several projects were similarly halted.
Meanwhile, Skåne approved its first onshore wind project in nine years—specifically a repowering initiative rather than a new development.
The trend comes as Sweden aims to expand its renewable energy production to meet growing electricity demand and support industrial decarbonisation. Industry groups have warned that prolonged uncertainty over project approvals could undermine those goals.
