Developers have submitted an environmental permit application for the proposed Humletorp Wind Farm in southeastern Årjäng Municipality, Sweden. The wind farm is expected to generate 289GWh of electricity annually, enough to power approximately 58,000 detached houses.
The project is a joint venture between Eolus and Hydro Rein, under the company name Fornybar. The application follows over a year of public consultations, during which feedback was collected to inform the environmental impact assessment that accompanies the permit request.
The planned wind farm would consist of up to 12 turbines, each with a maximum height of 300 meters. The area under consideration spans about five square kilometers, which developers say offers excellent wind conditions with minimal conflicts of interest.
Emma Lundström, permitting manager for the project, stated, “We have conducted thorough assessments of wildlife and nature, as well as studies related to residential environments, and we are now ready to apply for an environmental permit.”
In an effort to address potential concerns, Fornybar has presented a compensation model for residents living near the site. The plan includes annual payments to those closest to the turbines and an estimated 500,000 kronor per year for community funds benefiting local associations. Additionally, a recent government announcement confirmed further compensation, including property tax equivalents for municipalities hosting wind power projects, starting this year. For Årjäng, the compensation is expected to total between 3.5 to 4 million kronor annually.
Erika Torstensson, project director at Hydro Rein, said, “Humletorp will secure electricity supply for new and existing industries in Årjäng.”
The environmental permit application has been submitted to the County Administrative Board of Örebro, marking the start of the review process. If the permit is granted, the wind farm could be commissioned by 2031.
