Teller Report

Despite the protests – Vattenfall to build new wind turbines

9/14/2023, 3:43:05 PM

Highlights: Vattenfall is allowed to build 36 new wind turbines in Örnsköldsvik municipality. The 220-metre-high wind turbines have met with protests from Vilhelmina's southern Sami community. The court admits that the wind turbines will make things worse for the reindeer herding, but they still allow a previously issued and subsequently appealed environmental permit to remain. The wind farm is expected to produce 800 GWh annually, which corresponds to the electricity consumption of 333,000 electric cars.

Vattenfall is allowed to build 36 new wind turbines in Örnsköldsvik municipality. The Land and Appeal Court has now ruled in favour of the company in the battle over a new wind farm. The 220-metre-high wind turbines have met with protests from Vilhelmina's southern Sami community.


Earlier this week, the decision came from the Land and High Court. They are following Vattenfall's line in the battle for a new wind farm on Stormyrberget in Örnsköldsvik municipality, where 36 220-metre-high wind turbines will be built.

Vilhelmina's southern Sami community has opposed the construction and the court admits that the wind turbines will make things worse for the reindeer herding, but they still allow a previously issued and subsequently appealed environmental permit to remain.

The decision cannot be appealed

"The Sami village will have to adapt the reindeer herding, but wind power does not mean such a 'significant aggravation' as required, is the assessment," writes the news agency Siren, which wrote about the ruling.

The Sami community has, among other things, highlighted that the place will become more important for the industry going forward in line with climate change. The court does not reject this, but at the same time believes that alternative routes for the reindeer exist and the decision cannot be appealed.

The wind farm is expected to produce 800 GWh annually, which corresponds to the electricity consumption of 333,000 electric cars.