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The Mareld floating wind farm is located more than 40 kilometres off the west coast of Orust, and Freja Offshore, a 50/50 joint venture between Mainstream Renewable Power and Hexicon, has today submitted a planning application under the Swedish Economic Zone Act (SEZ). With a capacity of up to 2.5 GW, the wind farm has the potential to provide 9–12 TeraWatt hours (TWh) of energy annually, which is more than half of the region of Västra Götaland’s current electricity needs.
In the region of Västra Götaland, imports account for the majority of the power used. Large amounts of power must be produced locally in order for west Sweden to carry out its ambitious industrial goals and to deliver the corresponding economic benefits, including employment opportunities. In comparison to present consumption, the west of Sweden’s electricity demand is anticipated to double by 2030 and triple by 2055. The area intends to set up new wind and solar power to produce the required amount of electricity. In accordance with the SEZ and the Continental Shelf Act, Freja Offshore has now submitted applications to build and run a wind farm as well as to set up an internal cable network. The Swedish Ministry of Climate and Business received the application.
Sweden has high renewable energy goals, including producing 100% renewable energy by 2040 and 120 TWh of annual offshore wind energy generation. Freja Offshore plans to develop offshore wind at four locations in Sweden, with the potential to provide renewable electricity for more than six million Swedish households.
Before making a decision, the government will now take into account Freja Offshore’s application and discuss with several agencies.