Permit Application Submitted for Humletorp Wind Farm
Fornybar by Eolus Hydro Rein has submitted an environmental permit application for the Humletorp Wind Farm in the southeastern part of Årjäng Municipality. With up to twelve wind turbines, the farm is expected to generate 289 GWh of electricity per year, potentially providing millions of kronor in additional revenue for the municipality and local community.
It has been just over a year since Fornybar conducted public consultations to gather input for the environmental impact assessment, which is included in the application.
“We have conducted thorough assessments of wildlife and nature, as well as studies related to residential environments, and we are now ready to apply for an environmental permit,” says Emma Lundström, Permitting Manager for the project.
The approximately 5 km² area boasts excellent wind conditions and remarkably few conflicts of interest. During the consultations, Fornybar presented a compensation model for nearby residents, which includes an annual income for those living closest to the wind turbines, as well as approximately half a million kronor per year in community funds for local associations. Since then, a government announcement has confirmed additional compensation equivalent to property tax, which will be distributed to municipalities hosting wind power projects starting this year. For Årjäng, this is estimated to amount to approximately 3.5 to 4 million kronor annually, based on the information provided by the government so far.
“Humletorp will secure electricity supply for new and existing industries in Årjäng,” says Erika Torstensson, Project Developer at Hydro Rein, highlighting that the local electricity grid has significant state-planned expansion needs. The construction of a wind farm will help accelerate and finance this expansion, benefiting the entire region.
The Humletorp Wind Farm could become a crucial part of a renewable future for Värmland. The region urgently needs fossil-free electricity to support the ongoing transformation of the industrial and transport sectors. This transition is necessary both to reduce climate impact and to ensure that businesses remain competitive in the global market. According to the collaborative project Elkraft Värmland, energy-intensive manufacturing industries in the region already account for half of the county’s electricity consumption and will require even more power in the near future. In a high-demand scenario, the region’s electricity needs could rise from the current 6 TWh to nearly 10 TWh by 2030.
The environmental permit application for the wind farm has been submitted to the County Administrative Board of Örebro, where the environmental review process is now beginning. If the Humletorp Wind Farm is granted a permit, it is estimated that commissioning could take place by 2031. The application comprises several hundred pages, including a large number of appendices such as noise, shadow flicker, and visibility assessments; reports from three years of bird surveys; an archaeological study; bat surveys covering breeding and migration periods; and a biodiversity assessment – all in compliance with Swedish environmental legislation.
Project Overview
Name: Humletorp Wind Farm
Number of turbines: Up to 12
Project area: Approximately 5 km²
Total height: Maximum 300 m
Estimated annual electricity production: 289 GWh – equivalent to the annual household electricity consumption of approximately 58,000 detached houses.
Planned commissioning: 2031
Media contact: Eva Emmelin, Project Communication Specialist:
eva.emmelin@eolus.com
+46 – 76 108 21 06
