Swedish wind power organisations said delays in government-promised compensation for municipalities are hindering the development of new wind farms, with local authorities rejecting a record share of projects this year.
Sveriges Kommuner och Regioner (SKR), Green Power Sweden and Svensk Vindkraft said more than a year has passed since the government announced payments linked to property tax, but no funds have been disbursed. They said the lack of clarity has led municipalities to turn down over 90% of proposed wind power projects so far in 2025, including in parts of southern Sweden where electricity shortages persist.
The groups said the compensation scheme, presented in the government’s autumn 2024 budget, was intended to give municipalities stronger incentives to approve wind developments. However, they added that the plan has stalled as government offices continue to prepare the payment model and the budget remains uncertain. According to their estimates, more than SEK 80 million in expected support is missing for next year.
They said compensation for nearby residents and local communities, also promised by the government, has not yet been introduced.
In a joint statement, SKR’s Anders Henriksson, Green Power Sweden’s Daniel Badman and Svensk Vindkraft’s Per Olofsson urged the government to act swiftly. They called for “a transparent and predictable compensation model” and adjustments to the municipal approval process, warning that Sweden risks losing momentum in efforts to expand renewable energy. “Sweden needs more electricity quickly,” they said, adding that without prompt action, “the chance to accelerate wind power could otherwise be lost.”
