The government wants to quickly investigate whether it is possible to remove the municipal veto regarding the expansion of wind power. According to Minister of Financial Markets Per Bolund (MP), this would lead to more people wanting to invest in wind power.
– The difference is that you then follow the usual planning conditions. There is a greater predictability and a greater opportunity also for those who want to invest to be able to change the project during the journey, and thus feel more secure in making their investment and getting the wind turbines in place.
Almost 500 plants have been stopped by the veto in Sweden, according to Bolund. The Minister believes that the system inhibits the development of wind power, by creating uncertainty for those who want to invest in the energy source. Much because the veto also often comes late in the process.
– We think this is an uncertainty that does not benefit Sweden, and which we want to remove, says the Minister of Financial Markets.
The government’s goal is for new rules to be in place within a year or so, according to TV4 Nyheterna.
In Arvika municipality in Värmland wanted a wind power company to build wind turbines earlier this year. The municipal veto was never used there, but since it was clear that a majority would support a veto against the establishment, the wind turbine withdrew its application.
Peter Söderström (S) is a municipal councilor in Arvika municipality, and he wants to keep the municipal veto against wind power in some form.
– I still think it is important for the municipalities to keep this opportunity to put in the municipal veto because there may be situations where you need to re-evaluate. Even if you have a plan that is a few years old, you may need to re-evaluate. So to remove the municipal veto against wind power completely, I think I am a little hesitant about that, says Söderström.