In a significant move, Sweden has blocked 13 offshore wind farm applications in the Baltic Sea due to national security fears, particularly in light of potential Russian attacks. Defence Minister PÃ¥l Jonson stated that the proposed wind farms could interfere with missile detection systems, which would drastically reduce reaction times from 2 minutes to just 60 seconds [30bfed87]. This decision follows a study conducted by the Swedish Armed Forces that indicated these wind farms could cause substantial disruption to military sensors, raising alarms about the country's defense capabilities [30bfed87].
Currently, only one wind farm application has been approved on Sweden's west coast, which plans to install 81 turbines [30bfed87]. Jonson emphasized the necessity of prioritizing national security over clean energy initiatives, especially given Sweden's geographical proximity to Russia's Kaliningrad exclave [30bfed87]. The wind power industry has expressed surprise at the government's decision, urging for a comprehensive assessment of the implications for both national security and renewable energy development [30bfed87].
This situation mirrors concerns raised by the U.S. Air Force regarding wind turbines near nuclear missile sites, where similar fears about safety and operational integrity have led to calls for legislation to restrict turbine construction in sensitive areas [d5dd9b12]. Both cases highlight the ongoing tension between advancing renewable energy projects and maintaining national security, underscoring the need for careful planning and dialogue among stakeholders to balance these critical interests.