Resistance to wind power can threaten climate change

Many are hoping for the green investments in the north.

The steel will be fossil-free for Sweden to meet the climate goals.

Today, LKAB believes that it is neither money nor technology for green steel brakes.

We have technology and finances, now the government must decide if we can do what we want.

It will take large plots of land for lines and power production, says Jan Moström, CEO of LKAB.

It is about facilities that are important for climate change at the same time being able to negatively affect the environment locally.

The protests against new wind power are great

LKAB has been refused expansion in Kiruna.

Power lines that are most urgent often take 10 years to get in place according to Svenska kraftnät.

Already by 2026, new lines are needed to Gällivare and Oxelösund.

And more and more green electricity is needed.

There, wind power is the only thing today that goes fast enough and has the lowest price, according to LKAB.

- It is the ability to expand electric power production that governs the pace at which we manage our transition, says Jan Moström.

But the protests against new wind power are great.

In Pajala, the building committee with S and KD said no.

In other municipalities, moderates or environmentalists say no.

It can be about ecosystems, views, reindeer husbandry or noise. 

- We do not hide behind chairs that facilities, pipelines and wind turbines are visible and noticeable, says Niklas Johansson

- The proposed wind farm in Käymäjärvi threatens wilderness tourism in the area.

Vattenfall should choose a place where there is less disturbance, not just where it blows the most, says Peter Ericsson (KD), chairman of the building committee in Pajala.

"The beam needs to be reviewed"

Vattenfall sees how consideration for local residents and the local environment is more often today compared to the climate benefits.

Christer Ljunggren, head of hydropower at Vattenfall, sees how previous expansion of hydropower had a negative impact.

- Yes, there were probably interests that had to be nibbled at the edge.

Reindeer husbandry, fish that could not walk and living near the rivers.

He thinks that more consideration should be given then, and welcomes today's stricter legislation.

But he thinks that the Environmental Code today does not take into account whether a business benefits the climate.

- The beam needs to be reviewed and weigh in the climate perspective.

It will be a trade-off and then you may have to nibble something at the edges, says Christer Ljunggren.