This week it became clear that the government is giving the green light to new offshore wind power on the west coast. The decision has simultaneously sparked criticism from the Sweden Democrats, who argue that the government made the decision without coordinating the issue with its supporting party.

The government has made decisions on all applications for offshore wind power that have been under consideration in Sweden’s economic zone. Two new wind farms have been approved, including one in northern Skagerrak outside Strömstad, while the other applications have been rejected.

According to the government, the investment is part of efforts to strengthen Sweden’s future electricity supply, while the rejections are motivated by, among other things, concerns about the country’s defense capability.

“Sweden needs all types of fossil-free power in order for new industries and businesses to dare to make the investment decisions that secure the climate transition, strengthen competitiveness, and build the country’s future prosperity. That’s why I am glad the government can now approve two more offshore wind farms,” says Climate and Environment Minister Romina Pourmokhtari (L).

According to the permit, the wind farms are to be completed within ten years, meaning by 2036 at the latest.

“Where the hell are we supposed to go?”

The government’s announcement hit the west coast’s professional fishermen like a bombshell. Outside Tanum municipality, Charles Olsson and Håkan Wogenius are furious about the plans for a wind farm in Skagerrak. They believe that the creation of the wind farm threatens their ability to continue fishing in the area.

“We won’t be able to fish there. Where the hell are we supposed to go?! There’s nowhere left,” Olsson told Bohusläningen.

Håkan Wogenius shares the criticism and describes it as “incredible” that the government is giving the green light to the plans.

S wants more offshore wind power

At the same time, the government’s decision to say no to eleven offshore wind farms – including Mareld outside Lysekil – has met criticism from the Social Democrats locally.

Jan-Olof Johansson (S), municipal commissioner in Lysekil, says that Sweden needs to invest in all types of energy sources to secure its future energy supply. This statement comes from a party that helped shut down several Swedish nuclear reactors.

No significant local criticism against offshore wind power seems to exist in the municipality, however. In Lysekil, there is instead broad political consensus across party lines on the issue, with even the Moderates supporting the expansion of offshore wind power.

ALSO READ: Fisheries Industry: Stop the expansion of offshore wind power

SD critical – gives Green Party a golden opportunity

According to Tobias Andersson, chair of the Industry Committee, the government made the decision without coordinating the matter with the Sweden Democrats.

ALSO READ: “They’re completely deceiving the Swedish people” – citizens hit back at the wind industry’s demonization of criticism

He claims that the other Tidö parties proceeded without considering SD’s position, while they continue to expect the party’s support in the broader cooperation.

The SD representative further points out that the decision by the other Tidö parties opens the door for a future S-led government with the Green Party to quickly allocate tax funds to the expansion of offshore wind power if the Tidö parties were to lose the next election.