Sweden has decided to stop 13 wind farm projects in the Baltic Sea, citing national security imperatives.
Defense above all
The cancellation of wind projects in the Baltic Sea highlights a clear priority: Swedish defense takes precedence over the development of renewable energies. The Swedish armed forces, which led the study leading to the decision, revealed that offshore wind turbines could seriously disrupt detection systems, including radar and underwater sensors. This interference would complicate the early detection of threats, in particular submarines or hostile missiles, a particularly sensitive issue in a region where the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad plays a strategic role. Romina Pourmokhtari, Swedish Minister of the Environment, insisted on the “unacceptable impact” that these parks could have, emphasizing the seriousness of the security situation.
The shadow of Russia hangs over the Swedish decision. Since the start of the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, geopolitical tensions in the region have exacerbated Stockholm's fears. Defense Minister Pål Jonson minced no words: Russia poses a tangible threat, capable of controlling critical sea lanes. Sweden's membership in NATO demonstrates the seriousness of the perceived threat. In this context, wind farms become a potential weak point to protect, because they can serve as targets or sources of interference for maritime security.
Slowed energy transition: a headache for Sweden
Sweden aims to double its electricity production by 2045, but the shutdown of these projects undermines this vision. With a combined capacity of 140 terawatt hours at stake, offshore wind development is important to meet growing demand. However, the government's choice to slow down these initiatives in favor of strengthening nuclear energy raises many questions. The Poseidon wind farm, recently validated, will only provide limited production compared to future needs.
The rejection of projects by companies such as RWE AG and Statkraft AS has significant economic repercussions. The constant winds of the Baltic Sea offered enormous potential for offshore wind power, but defense imperatives swept away these perspectives. Other countries in the region are closely following Swedish developments, because the Baltic Sea has become a strategic theater.
