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Sweden’s defence concerned by planned offshore wind power
by AFP Staff Writers
Stockholm (AFP) Nov 1, 2024
Offshore wind power farms planned along Sweden’s Baltic Sea coast could have a negative impact on its defence capabilities, the country’s defence minister said Friday.
According to a study done by the Swedish Armed Forces and published by public broadcaster SVT, more than a dozen planned projects in vast areas of the Baltic Sea could significantly disrupt sensors used by the military.
The towers and rotating blades of the wind mills emit radar echoes and produce other interference, including underwater — affecting the ability to detect submarines.
Contacted by AFP, Defence Minister Pal Jonson said he was aware of the report.
“Among other things, the warning time for a missile attack could be cut from two minutes to 60 seconds with offshore wind parks in the way,” Jonson said in a written statement.
Jonson also stressed the importance of the issue “considering the gravity of the security situation in northern Europe and the Baltic Sea.”
Tensions in the region have risen following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine and NATO recently opened a new naval base in Germany’s Rostock, with the aim of coordinating the forces of the member states in the area.
At the same time, energy needs, particularly from renewable sources, are also high on the agenda.
According to a government memo seen by AFP electricity demand in Sweden could more than double by 2045.
“The government takes the issue of offshore wind power seriously, as it involves a conflict between two of our most important future concerns — Sweden’s security and energy needs,” Jonson said.
Jonson stressed the importance of a considering all aspects before any decisions on approvals for the wind power projects — over which the government has the final word.
The minister said there was currently no timetable for when such decisions would be made.
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