Wind power has become a controversial issue.

Resistance is increasing at the same time as it is highlighted as a crucial part of the transition from fossil to renewable energy.

The Minister for the Environment and Climate, Annika Strandhäll (S), is now presenting four measures that will accelerate the expansion of wind power in Sweden.

- It is important to strengthen Sweden by faster breaking the dependence on fossil fuels, expanding our energy production and restructuring our industry.

The Swedish people should not be dependent on countries like Russia to drive a car and heat their homes, says Strandhäll at a press conference.

Increased resistance

The need for more wind power on land and at sea is great.

According to the Swedish Energy Agency, about half of the projects planned since 2014 have been launched, but in recent years the resistance has increased.

Many planned wind power projects are stopped by municipalities after local protests and even the Armed Forces sometimes say no.

To increase predictability, the government will present a proposal that municipalities that want to stop projects must say no earlier than today.

However, the municipal veto will continue to remain, but an inquiry will look more closely at opportunities for strengthened incentives for municipalities and local communities that contribute to expanded wind power.

The investigator will be Ulrika Liljeberg, today a center-right municipal councilor in Leksand.

- For local communities, it is mainly a matter of those who experience that a new wind turbine significantly affects the living environment at the same time must experience that they see positive effects in their surroundings, says Strandhäll.

Faster processing

The government's handling of offshore wind power will also be accelerated.

The Swedish Maritime Administration is commissioned to investigate competing offshore wind farms, a system for how actors are granted the exclusive right to establish offshore wind power in specific areas.