The County Administrative Board of Gotland has issued a Natura 2000 permit for the Aurora offshore wind farm, which is being developed by OX2 and Ingka Investments, the investment arm of the Ingka Group, the largest retailer of IKEA, outside the islands of Gotland and Öland in Sweden. Pending final approval from the government, construction could commence as early as 2028.

Aurora’s potential

Aurora is positioned approximately 22 kilometers south of Gotland and over 30 kilometers east of Öland in the Baltic Sea. If fully developed, the wind farm has the potential to generate up to 24 TWh of electricity. Given the Baltic Sea's significance to the Swedish Armed Forces, the wind farm, equipped with turbine sensors, could aid in surveillance and control efforts in the region.

Emelie Zakrisson, Head of Offshore Wind Development at OX2, explains: "Aurora represents a significant catalyst for the transition to net-zero in southern Sweden. Plans include exporting cables to both the mainland and directly to Gotland. Its large-scale production could bolster local electricity generation and support hydrogen production, thus contributing to decarbonizing industry and heavy transportation".

The next step

With the issuance of the Natura 2000 permit, the County Administrative Board, alongside other authorities, affirms that the wind farm can proceed without endangering protected species. This permit is just one of several required.

The next step involves the County Administrative Board proposing to the government that the wind farm be constructed in accordance with Sweden's Exclusive Economic Zone Act. If approved, construction could commence as early as 2028, paving the way for production to commence before 2030.