The Swedish government has granted approval for the 1,400 MW Poseidon offshore wind farm in the southern Skagerrak, off the coast of Stenungsund. Developed by Vattenfall and Zephyr Vind, the project is set to generate up to 5.5 TWh of electricity annually, supplying the SE3 electricity price area in Sweden, a region with significant energy needs.
Poseidon will be Sweden's first offshore wind project to utilize floating turbine technology, enabling deployment at greater ocean depths. This innovation is anticipated to minimize environmental impact compared to fixed installations, making it suitable for sensitive marine ecosystems.
The approval comes with several stipulations to protect local wildlife and address commercial and regulatory needs. Specific measures are required to safeguard marine mammals, birds, and benthic communities, while also considering commercial fishing and implementing decommissioning protocols. The project will involve ongoing consultations with the Swedish Maritime Administration, Swedish Transport Agency, and Swedish Armed Forces.
Further permits are required before construction begins, particularly for the connection to the mainland power grid. The Poseidon wind farm is to be completed by 2034, supporting Sweden's shift toward renewable energy.
Alongside other approved projects like Galene and Kattegatt Syd, Poseidon could add 12 TWh of renewable energy annually to Sweden's grid. This addition will help meet the energy demands of southern regions, reduce dependency on northern power transfers, and provide competitively priced electricity for industries in western Sweden.
