The istrative Council of Västra Götaland County in Sweden has granted a Natura 2000 permit for Freja Offshore’s 2.5 GW Mareld offshore wind farm, which is planned to be built off the coast of Bohuslän. e4p6u

According to Freja Offshore, owned by Hexicon and Mainstream Renewable Power, the announcement marks an important step in the continued development of the project. Now, only government approval is pending.

Mareld has the potential to supply up to 12 TWh per year, which is equivalent to providing electricity to approximately two million homes.

Electricity demand is expected to double by 2030 in western Sweden as the industry undergoes its energy transition. Mareld will be a central part of the solution to ensure the region's renewable energy needs are met.

Marcus Thor, chairman of the board at Freja Offshore, said, “The Natura 2000 authorization is great news and confirms our commitment to creating a sustainable wind farm that respects sensitive natural values. We are now carefully working to review the additional conditions that the permit implies for us.”

Natura 2000 is a network of protected areas across the EU created to meet the biodiversity objectives of the Convention. The Bratten marine area, which borders the area where the permit for Mareld has been granted, has a unique ecosystem of great importance for marine species and habitats. The permit demonstrates that the project can be carried out while properly considering the area’s high natural values, and that offshore wind energy can coexist with protected environments.

“Mareld, which will be one of the largest offshore wind farms in Sweden, is a crucial piece of the puzzle in meeting the growing electricity needs of western Sweden. We now look forward to receiving a positive response from the government regarding the remaining permit applications, so we can deliver electricity on time when the need becomes a reality,” Thor added.