Sjönnebol Wind Farm

Project development

Great opportunities in Sjönnebol

Sjönnebol, Säffle

Aneo is exploring the possibilities for wind power at Sjönnebol wind farm.

Annual Production

Annual Production

Annual Production

115GWh

Number og turbines

Number og turbines

Number og turbines

5

Red-haired girl with wind in her hair
Red-haired girl with wind in her hair

About the Project

The proposed layout consists of five wind turbines with a maximum total height of 250 meters, an installed capacity of approximately 35 MW, and an annual production of about 120 GWh. This is equivalent to the average electricity consumption of 24,000 households.

At Aneo, we aim to develop renewable energy in close collaboration with the local community. We are convinced that together we can contribute to the necessary climate transition and meet the growing electricity demand with sustainable solutions. With extensive experience and a strong commitment to both the environment and the local community, we strive to be a reliable and responsible partner in the expansion of wind power in Sjönnebol.

Wind power projects affect both people and the environment. Therefore, it is important for us that local stakeholders are given the opportunity for transparency and influence during the process. In addition to requiring the municipality's approval, we need to listen to local perspectives and adapt the project based on the knowledge gathered through consultations, dialogues, and environmental impact assessments.

Through dialogue with the municipality and residents, we have gained valuable insights into areas that are particularly important for outdoor activities and recreation. The eastern shore of the promontory has been designated as a LIS area (rural development in a shoreline location), and in consideration of this, we have chosen to reduce the original project area.

In the process, it is important for us to map and consider all inputs from the municipality, residents, and businesses so that we can together create the best possible conditions for the Sjönnebol wind power project.

Currently, public consultations are underway, especially with those directly affected. The feedback collected will be compiled and incorporated into the environmental impact assessment. Aneo plans to submit the application for an environmental permit during the winter of 2025/2026.



Why wind power in Värmland?

The energy situation

After being stable for many years, uncertainty has increased, with unpredictable electricity prices and concerns about power shortages and electricity supply. The transition to a more climate-friendly society, increased electrification, and new energy-intensive businesses are expected to lead to a significant rise in electricity consumption.

Energy-intensive industry

The government is also considering a proposal for compensation to nearby residents living within 8-10 times the total height of the wind turbines. The compensation is calculated based on the park’s electricity production. Depending on electricity prices, turbine output, and determined levels, residents in the vicinity could share between 400,000–800,000 kronor per year during the lifespan of the park.

Tightened requirements

The demand for electricity is expected to rise significantly in the coming years as the industrial and transportation sectors transition to fossil-free solutions. The goal for Sweden to be climate-neutral by 2045 places high demands on the availability of fossil-free energy. This transition is already noticeable in Värmland.

Värmland's needs are driven by energy-intensive industries

Värmland uses approximately 6 terawatt hours (TWh) of electricity per year, more than many other counties outside metropolitan areas. The industry, which is electricity-intensive, accounts for 49 percent of the total electricity consumption, while housing accounts for 18 percent, according to an analysis commissioned by the County Administrative Board of Värmland in 2022.

Why Aneo?

The renewable energy group Aneo was established in the fall of 2022 through a collaboration between the energy company TrønderEnergi and the investment fund HitecVision. We have just over 300 employees, with our headquarters in Trondheim.

Åfjord at sunset with wind turbines in the background

Aneo is built on 70 years of experience in developing and operating large power projects and owns and operates nine wind farms in Central Norway, as well as two in Sweden and one in Finland. In fact, despite our modest size, we are Norway's second-largest developer of wind power. We operate more than 200 wind turbines and monitor production around the clock for optimal operation, efficiency, and safety.

We have extensive experience collaborating with municipalities, where we have built strong relationships with both residents, politicians, and the administration. Together with local authorities, we are creating the energy solutions of the future, with a focus on safety and presence in the local community.

Aneo operations building in Åfjord municipality
Aneo operations building in Åfjord municipality

One of the things that sets us apart from most of our competitors is that when Aneo seeks to build a wind power plant in a Norwegian municipality, it's with long-term intentions in mind, not to sell the project or power plant onward. We invest to build, build to own, and own to operate. This means that we are here now, during any construction process, and of course, every single day throughout the power plant's lifespan.

The authorization process

The Authorization Process

A wind farm like Sjönnebol carries the risk of environmental impact. This means the permitting process follows a predetermined structure: Consultation with the County Administration (Länsstyrelsen) on how an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) should be formulated. Preparation of an Environmental Impact Assessment for the planned operation. Compilation of an application, including the Environmental Impact Assessment and technical description, which is submitted to the responsible permitting authority, in this case, the Environmental Assessment Delegation (MPD) at the County Administration in Örebro.

The Authorization Process

A wind farm like Sjönnebol carries the risk of environmental impact. This means the permitting process follows a predetermined structure: Consultation with the County Administration (Länsstyrelsen) on how an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) should be formulated. Preparation of an Environmental Impact Assessment for the planned operation. Compilation of an application, including the Environmental Impact Assessment and technical description, which is submitted to the responsible permitting authority, in this case, the Environmental Assessment Delegation (MPD) at the County Administration in Örebro.

The Authorization Process

A wind farm like Sjönnebol carries the risk of environmental impact. This means the permitting process follows a predetermined structure: Consultation with the County Administration (Länsstyrelsen) on how an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) should be formulated. Preparation of an Environmental Impact Assessment for the planned operation. Compilation of an application, including the Environmental Impact Assessment and technical description, which is submitted to the responsible permitting authority, in this case, the Environmental Assessment Delegation (MPD) at the County Administration in Örebro.

What does a consultation entail?

The input received during the consultations becomes part of the work for further planning and the environmental impact assessment (EIA). Before a wind farm is established, consultations are held with, among others, the county administration, the municipality, and individuals who might be particularly affected by the wind farm. Consultations are also conducted with other authorities, organizations, businesses, and the general public that might be impacted by the project. During the consultations, discussions cover location, scope, design, environmental effects, and the content of the upcoming EIA.

What does a consultation entail?

The input received during the consultations becomes part of the work for further planning and the environmental impact assessment (EIA). Before a wind farm is established, consultations are held with, among others, the county administration, the municipality, and individuals who might be particularly affected by the wind farm. Consultations are also conducted with other authorities, organizations, businesses, and the general public that might be impacted by the project. During the consultations, discussions cover location, scope, design, environmental effects, and the content of the upcoming EIA.

What does a consultation entail?

The input received during the consultations becomes part of the work for further planning and the environmental impact assessment (EIA). Before a wind farm is established, consultations are held with, among others, the county administration, the municipality, and individuals who might be particularly affected by the wind farm. Consultations are also conducted with other authorities, organizations, businesses, and the general public that might be impacted by the project. During the consultations, discussions cover location, scope, design, environmental effects, and the content of the upcoming EIA.

What happens after the consultation?

After the consultations are carried out, often multiple times, the developer prepares an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). This is compiled with conducted investigations, consultation documents, and technical descriptions into an application that is submitted to the Environmental Testing Delegation (ETD) at the county administration. The EIS focuses on the environmental impacts that may arise as a result of the activity. The county administration often requires supplements to the application. Once it is deemed complete, it is made public, and the general public and affected parties have the opportunity to comment again. At the same time, the county administration must ask the municipality to approve the project. Once all statements are received, and the municipality has provided its response, the ETD can decide to approve or reject the application. The decision can be appealed to the Land and Environment Court.

What happens after the consultation?

After the consultations are carried out, often multiple times, the developer prepares an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). This is compiled with conducted investigations, consultation documents, and technical descriptions into an application that is submitted to the Environmental Testing Delegation (ETD) at the county administration. The EIS focuses on the environmental impacts that may arise as a result of the activity. The county administration often requires supplements to the application. Once it is deemed complete, it is made public, and the general public and affected parties have the opportunity to comment again. At the same time, the county administration must ask the municipality to approve the project. Once all statements are received, and the municipality has provided its response, the ETD can decide to approve or reject the application. The decision can be appealed to the Land and Environment Court.

What happens after the consultation?

After the consultations are carried out, often multiple times, the developer prepares an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). This is compiled with conducted investigations, consultation documents, and technical descriptions into an application that is submitted to the Environmental Testing Delegation (ETD) at the county administration. The EIS focuses on the environmental impacts that may arise as a result of the activity. The county administration often requires supplements to the application. Once it is deemed complete, it is made public, and the general public and affected parties have the opportunity to comment again. At the same time, the county administration must ask the municipality to approve the project. Once all statements are received, and the municipality has provided its response, the ETD can decide to approve or reject the application. The decision can be appealed to the Land and Environment Court.

Stakeholders in the decision-making process

The Municipality Before the county administration can make a decision, the municipality must approve the project. The municipality’s decision involves assessing whether the wind power project is an appropriate use of land and resources from a sustainable perspective. The decision should be based on the municipal plan applicable to wind power, although the plan is only a guideline. If new information has emerged since the plan was adopted, there may be grounds for a new assessment. The municipality must always determine what constitutes suitable land use, even if there is no updated municipal plan. There are no specific rules for how the municipality should express its opinion in the permit process, except for the general requirements of objectivity and impartiality in public administration. If a municipality opposes the establishment of a wind farm, this should be clearly communicated during the consultation process. Otherwise, the developer risks incurring unnecessary application process costs. The County Administration (Länsstyrelsen) The county administration provides planning grounds and evaluates municipal and zoning plans. During the consultation before an application is submitted, they provide planning grounds, descriptions of nationally important areas, and conservation areas. They also ensure that the EIA has the correct scope and direction for the application process. The county administration also decides whether the business can be expected to have significant environmental impact. Their environmental department handles applications in cooperation with the environmental review delegation. The Environmental Review Delegation (MPD) The Environmental Review Delegations (MPD) are independent decision-making bodies within the county administration that assess cases concerning permits for so-called environmentally hazardous activities according to chapter 9 of the Environmental Code and review existing permits in accordance with chapter 24 of the Environmental Code. The MPD consists of a leader, who is a lawyer with judicial competence, and an environmental expert with technical expertise. Decisions are normally made following a recommendation from a case officer in the county administration’s environmental protection department. MPD decisions can be appealed to the Land and Environmental Court. The Land and Environmental Court The Land and Environmental Courts are specialized courts that handle cases related to environmental and water issues, property formation, and planning and building matters. The five Land and Environmental Courts are part of the district courts in Nacka, Vänersborg, Växjö, Umeå, and Östersund. The Land and Environmental Court of Appeal is part of the Svea Court of Appeal.

Stakeholders in the decision-making process

The Municipality Before the county administration can make a decision, the municipality must approve the project. The municipality’s decision involves assessing whether the wind power project is an appropriate use of land and resources from a sustainable perspective. The decision should be based on the municipal plan applicable to wind power, although the plan is only a guideline. If new information has emerged since the plan was adopted, there may be grounds for a new assessment. The municipality must always determine what constitutes suitable land use, even if there is no updated municipal plan. There are no specific rules for how the municipality should express its opinion in the permit process, except for the general requirements of objectivity and impartiality in public administration. If a municipality opposes the establishment of a wind farm, this should be clearly communicated during the consultation process. Otherwise, the developer risks incurring unnecessary application process costs. The County Administration (Länsstyrelsen) The county administration provides planning grounds and evaluates municipal and zoning plans. During the consultation before an application is submitted, they provide planning grounds, descriptions of nationally important areas, and conservation areas. They also ensure that the EIA has the correct scope and direction for the application process. The county administration also decides whether the business can be expected to have significant environmental impact. Their environmental department handles applications in cooperation with the environmental review delegation. The Environmental Review Delegation (MPD) The Environmental Review Delegations (MPD) are independent decision-making bodies within the county administration that assess cases concerning permits for so-called environmentally hazardous activities according to chapter 9 of the Environmental Code and review existing permits in accordance with chapter 24 of the Environmental Code. The MPD consists of a leader, who is a lawyer with judicial competence, and an environmental expert with technical expertise. Decisions are normally made following a recommendation from a case officer in the county administration’s environmental protection department. MPD decisions can be appealed to the Land and Environmental Court. The Land and Environmental Court The Land and Environmental Courts are specialized courts that handle cases related to environmental and water issues, property formation, and planning and building matters. The five Land and Environmental Courts are part of the district courts in Nacka, Vänersborg, Växjö, Umeå, and Östersund. The Land and Environmental Court of Appeal is part of the Svea Court of Appeal.

Stakeholders in the decision-making process

The Municipality Before the county administration can make a decision, the municipality must approve the project. The municipality’s decision involves assessing whether the wind power project is an appropriate use of land and resources from a sustainable perspective. The decision should be based on the municipal plan applicable to wind power, although the plan is only a guideline. If new information has emerged since the plan was adopted, there may be grounds for a new assessment. The municipality must always determine what constitutes suitable land use, even if there is no updated municipal plan. There are no specific rules for how the municipality should express its opinion in the permit process, except for the general requirements of objectivity and impartiality in public administration. If a municipality opposes the establishment of a wind farm, this should be clearly communicated during the consultation process. Otherwise, the developer risks incurring unnecessary application process costs. The County Administration (Länsstyrelsen) The county administration provides planning grounds and evaluates municipal and zoning plans. During the consultation before an application is submitted, they provide planning grounds, descriptions of nationally important areas, and conservation areas. They also ensure that the EIA has the correct scope and direction for the application process. The county administration also decides whether the business can be expected to have significant environmental impact. Their environmental department handles applications in cooperation with the environmental review delegation. The Environmental Review Delegation (MPD) The Environmental Review Delegations (MPD) are independent decision-making bodies within the county administration that assess cases concerning permits for so-called environmentally hazardous activities according to chapter 9 of the Environmental Code and review existing permits in accordance with chapter 24 of the Environmental Code. The MPD consists of a leader, who is a lawyer with judicial competence, and an environmental expert with technical expertise. Decisions are normally made following a recommendation from a case officer in the county administration’s environmental protection department. MPD decisions can be appealed to the Land and Environmental Court. The Land and Environmental Court The Land and Environmental Courts are specialized courts that handle cases related to environmental and water issues, property formation, and planning and building matters. The five Land and Environmental Courts are part of the district courts in Nacka, Vänersborg, Växjö, Umeå, and Östersund. The Land and Environmental Court of Appeal is part of the Svea Court of Appeal.

Efficient utilization of the planning area

The project area is 300 hectares, and the proposed layout is for 5 wind turbines with a maximum total height of 250m. Wind Farm Sjönnebol is estimated to supply 115 GWh of electricity annually to the local grid, to be used by the local community. The site has favorable wind conditions and few conflicting interests. The Armed Forces have no objections to the current establishment area in their early statement. Civil aviation has no conflicting interests in the area.

Prior to the construction of the wind farm, roads within the project area will be reinforced and widened to handle the heavy transports involved in the establishment of wind power.

A detailed road investigation will be conducted to ascertain the transport routes and access roads from the public road network, as well as the measures needed to secure the transports.