Stockholm-based electric utility Ellevio has completed the acquisition of Markbygden Net, a prominent grid connection infrastructure company operating within the Markbygden 1101 wind farm cluster in Sweden. This strategic move solidifies Ellevio's commitment to supporting Sweden's ambitious energy transition goals.
Markbygden Net plays a crucial role in connecting 1.7GW of wind energy capacity to Sweden's electricity grid through a network of 150-kilovolt (kV) overhead lines spanning 63 kilometers. The company's assets include the vital Råbacken substation and the connecting infrastructure for the expansive Markbygden 1101 wind farm cluster.
Originally established in 2011 by developers Svevind and Enercon, Markbygden Net was tasked with developing the necessary infrastructure to link the Markbygden 1101 wind turbines with the Swedish grid. The Råbacken substation, a pivotal component of this infrastructure, was connected to the 400kV national grid in 2013, with the final extension recently completed.
In the previous year, the Råbacken substation facilitated the transmission of nearly 2.3 terawatt-hours (TWh) of clean energy to the grid, accounting for approximately 8% of Sweden's total wind power production. Projections suggest that next year, the annual energy generation integrated through the Råbacken substation could surge to over 5 TWh.
Ellevio views this acquisition as a strategic step toward fulfilling its role in supporting Sweden's energy transition towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2045.
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Johan Lindehag, CEO of Ellevio, expressed the utility's commitment, stating, “As one of Sweden's largest energy companies, we play a key role in the electrification of industry and transport, including the distribution of electricity from the increasing share of renewables. With the acquisition of Markbygden Net AB, we will be a long-term, reliable, and engaged partner that secures the supply of green energy to growing industry needs.”
Markbygden 1101, deemed one of the largest wind farm clusters in Europe, is set to have an estimated total production capacity of 3.4GW, delivering up to 12TWh of clean energy annually.
Following the acquisition, Ellevio will serve five customers, including wind farm operators, bolstering its position as a pivotal player in Sweden's renewable energy landscape.
See also: Dogger Bank Wind Farm's Second Phase Progresses with Successful Substation Installation
Svevind CEO Wolfgang Kropp emphasized the significance of this transition, stating, “After more than 12 years of planning and implementation work, as well as the successful operation of the grid connection point, we are now handing over the responsibility for successful, long-term operation into the hands of specialized grid operators and energy suppliers. With its long-term planning and sustainable views, Ellevio is exactly the right partner for this.”
