Possibilities for coexistence between the armed forces and wind power expansion

Authors:

  • Anders Odell
  • Anders Bernland
  • Gunnar Eriksson
  • Per Grahn
  • Tomas Mårtensson
  • Lars Norin
  • Mari Olsén
  • Beatrice Reichel

Publish date: 2022-04-12

Report number: FOI-R--5293--SE

Pages: 110

Written in: Swedish

Keywords:

  • wind power
  • Swedish Armed Forces
  • coexistence
  • planning process
  • permit process
  • task force

Abstract

This report presents the findings of a study carried out by the Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI) on behalf of the Swedish Armed Forces and the Swedish Energy Agency. The aim of the study was to identify measures that would allow for increased wind power construction, whilst at the same time preserving the interests of the Armed Forces. Policies and institutional factors in Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Germany and United Kingdom have been studied in order to identify examples of best practice. The authors of this report judge that it is possible to increase the amount of wind power that is built in Sweden, whilst preserving the interests of the Armed Forces. It will however require effort from the Swedish Armed Forces and other organisations. A key solution is to establish a national task force, charged with ensuring coexistence between these interests. Still, there is a lot left to learn from other countries, and further studies of technical and legal solutions are needed. It may require increased resources to implement the measures proposed in this report, and the Swedish Government might ultimately have to be clearer about whether it prioritises increased wind power construction, or quickly developing the country's military capabilities.