The Swedish government’s recent proposals for a revenue-sharing scheme with residents near wind farms have been met with approval from the industry, marking a significant step towards enhancing local participation in renewable energy projects. Green Power Sweden, the country’s trade group for renewable energy, has welcomed the submission of “concrete proposals” for the mechanism, stating that it is an important stride in creating better conditions for renewable energy production.
The Ministry of Climate and Enterprise has published a memorandum outlining the programme, which is open to public consultation until 18 December. The proposals stipulate that residents living within eight turbine heights of a wind farm will be eligible to share in the farm’s annual revenues. This move is expected to foster a more collaborative relationship between wind farm developers and local communities.
Ina Müller Engelbrektson, a lawyer representing Green Power Sweden, expressed her satisfaction with the government’s initiative. “We are very pleased that the government is now submitting concrete proposals for one of the incentives that has long been requested,” she said. “It is in everyone’s interest that a clear and transparent model for revenue sharing can be introduced as soon as possible.” Green Power Sweden plans to analyse the proposals in detail to formulate a response to the consultation.
The introduction of this revenue-sharing scheme could potentially address one of the major hurdles in Sweden’s wind energy sector: high rates of municipal vetoes against wind farm projects. According to Green Power Sweden, 26 out of 29 projects were blocked between 1 January and 12 September 2025, largely due to a lack of clear information about such schemes. By providing a transparent and fair revenue-sharing model, the government aims to alleviate local concerns and facilitate the approval of future wind farm projects.
This development could set a precedent for other countries grappling with similar challenges in their renewable energy sectors. By actively involving local communities in the benefits of renewable energy projects, governments can foster a more supportive environment for the growth of the sector. Moreover, this approach could help accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources, contributing to global efforts to mitigate climate change.
However, the success of this scheme will depend on its implementation and the extent to which it addresses the concerns of local communities. It remains to be seen whether the proposed revenue-sharing model will be sufficient to overcome the opposition faced by wind farm projects in Sweden. Nonetheless, the government’s initiative is a step in the right direction, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing local participation and creating a more sustainable energy future.