The Swedish wind power sector is at a crossroads, with a stark report revealing a worrying trend that could reshape the country’s energy landscape. For the first time in recent memory, no new turbine orders were placed in the first quarter of 2025, according to the Swedish Wind Energy Association. This alarming statistic is not an isolated incident but part of a continuous decline in turbine orders over recent years. The absence of new investment decisions in the first quarter of 2025 has raised eyebrows and sparked concerns about the future of wind power expansion in Sweden.
Despite the lack of new orders, the installed capacity of wind power continues to grow, with approximately 1GW commissioned in 2024. However, the report warns that this growth is not aligning with the industry’s needs or the broader European trend. Erik Almqvist, the head of electricity grid and electricity market at Swedish Wind Energy, pulled no punches in his assessment. “Now the expansion of electricity production and the demand for electricity are out of step,” he stated, emphasizing the urgent need for strong and rapid measures on both the production and consumption sides.
Almqvist’s call to action is clear: Sweden must issue more permits and provide existing permitted projects with the time needed to make investment decisions. The current situation, where demand for electricity is outpacing production, could lead to a protracted permit process, further delaying much-needed electrification. This is not just a Swedish problem; it’s a European one. Sweden is bucking the trend, and if it doesn’t reverse course, it could fall behind its neighbors in the race to a sustainable energy future.
The report, however, is not all doom and gloom. It highlights the potential for significant growth in the near future. There are projects totaling 1815MW with all necessary permits, waiting for investment decisions. With improved market conditions, these wind farms could be operational before 2030, contributing significantly to Sweden’s energy mix. In the first quarter of 2025, wind power accounted for about 26% of total electricity production, generating 12.1TWh. This is a testament to the industry’s potential, but it also underscores the need for swift action.
The Swedish wind power sector stands at a critical juncture. The trend of declining turbine orders and the lack of new investment decisions are red flags that demand immediate attention. The industry’s potential is undeniable, but realizing this potential requires bold action. Sweden must streamline its permitting process, support existing projects, and align electricity production with demand. The future of Swedish wind power hangs in the balance, and the decisions made today will shape the energy landscape for decades to come. The question is, will Sweden rise to the challenge or fall behind in the global race towards a sustainable energy future? The answer lies in the hands of policymakers, industry leaders, and the Swedish people.
