Offshore wind energy has become a cornerstone of Europe’s transition to renewable energy, with countries across the continent setting ambitious targets to harness its potential. However, Sweden's recent decision to reject 13 offshore wind farm applications in the Baltic Sea, citing national security concerns, has sparked significant debate. This decision comes at a time when the urgency to expand renewable energy infrastructure is paramount to achieving Europe’s climate goals.

In this exclusive interview, Giles Dickson, CEO of WindEurope, shares his insights on the implications of Sweden's decision, its impact on investor confidence, and the broader renewable energy landscape in Europe. We explore the intersection of security concerns and renewable energy projects, and discuss the measures the wind energy sector is adopting to address these challenges.

Review Energy (R.E.): Sweden has rejected 13 offshore wind farm applications due to security concerns. How do you view this decision in the context of Europe’s broader renewable energy transition? Could it set a concerning precedent?

Giles Dickson (G.D.): The Swedish Government’s decision to cancel 13 offshore wind projects due to military defence concerns came unexpectedly. It is yet another setback for Sweden’s offshore wind ambitions. It undermines investors’ trust in the Swedish Government. It puts Sweden’s industrial competitiveness at risk. And it is a serious blow to Sweden’s wider energy security targets. Yet again Sweden is bottom of the class on offshore wind. The Swedish Government has been unhelpful on offshore wind for many years. But a plain ban on offshore wind development in large parts of the Baltic Sea is unheard of. This makes no sense, not least when all the other countries around the Baltic Sea want to build more offshore wind and are progressing well on it.

(R.E.): The Swedish government claims offshore wind farms would interfere with missile defense systems. Do you think security concerns like these could become a significant obstacle for renewable energy projects in sensitive areas across Europe?

(G.D.): The Swedish Government’s “security concerns” around offshore wind are an excuse for the decision they’ve taken. The decision owes more to domestic politics. The current Swedish Government is propped up by the far-right Sweden Democrats who do not like wind and don’t want the Government to support it. The Swedish Air Force has long had concerns about offshore wind - much more so than the military in other countries.  But these are not the main reason the Government has stopped the projects. Other countries recognise that. 

(R.E.): How do you think this decision will influence the perception of offshore wind energy in Europe, especially among investors and other stakeholders in the renewable energy sector?

(G.D.): The high interest in wind energy will continue. The Swedish Government is manoeuvring itself in a difficult position. Investors trust will not increase after the surprising announcement to cancel 13 offshore wind farms. These investors will now focus on other offshore wind markets.

(R.E.): Could Sweden’s rejection of these projects trigger similar reactions in other countries, particularly in the Baltic and Northern Europe, with similar security or geopolitical concerns?

(G.D.): We don’t think so. Other Governments understand that offshore wind is perfectly compatible with military activity - and that the two in fact support each. E.g. Poland have made much more progress in ensuring the happy coexistence of offshore wind and military interests. In fact, the Polish military increasingly sees offshore wind as a chance. Offshore wind farms could for example host radar installations that improve military surveillance capacities at sea.

(R.E.): What actions should the wind industry take to address security concerns while ensuring that critical renewable energy projects are not blocked in the future?

(G.D.): We are taking these issues very seriously. Security of our assets is one of our key workstreams at WindEurope. This includes both the physical security of our (offshore) wind farms as well as questions of cyber security, data security and foreign interference. Offshore wind farms are critical infrastructure and must be treated as such. We are working closely with the European Defence Agency (EDA) and NATO to ensure the highest level of security possible. And we want to simultaneously contribute to improving military capabilities at sea.