Stor-Skälsjön wind farm handed over to MEAG
Stor-Skälsjön wind farm has been handed over to the owners MEAG (75 %) and Hydro Rein (25 %).
Photo credit: Eolus
Stor-Skälsjön wind farm is located in Sundsvall and Timrå municipalities in northern Sweden (SE2) and comprises 42 turbines (260 MW). The expected annual production of 800 GWh is handled commercially by Hydro Energy.
“We have set out to be a leading provider of renewable energy to assist industrials in the Nordics with their decarbonization efforts. Reaching full commercial operation marks an important milestone for Hydro Rein. With the Stor-Skälsjön wind farm development we have also proven our strong commitment to sustainability and stakeholder engagement,” said Head of Hydro Rein in Europe, Lisa Haukaas.
Philipp Deisler, Head of Infrastructure Equity Asset Management at MEAG: "We are delighted to announce the take-over of Stor-Skälsjön wind farm, one of our key wind power projects in Sweden. This strategic investment further strengthens the stability and resilience of our 1.8 GWp renewable energy portfolio, which is an integral part of our Infrastructure Equity portfolio. As a major investor in clean energy, we are proud to support the transition to a lower-emission future. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Eolus and Hydro Rein for the collaborative spirit and trust throughout this project, and we look forward to our continued partnership."
Stor-Skälsjön has been jointly constructed by Eolus, who divested its 51 percent share of the project in 2022, and Hydro Rein, under a Construction Management agreement. In 2022, the construction of roads, crane pads, foundations, and the internal electrical grid started. In 2023, Siemens Gamesa began installing the wind turbines, and all turbines were erected by November the same year. Electricity production at Stor-Skälsjön started in September 2023. Since then, it has gradually increased.
Local stakeholder engagement and beneficiaries
Engaging with local stakeholders, such as Sami, hunting teams and cultural associations was prioritized during the development and construction of the wind farm. The first local community support grants have already been given out according to a model that was established, which will run through the lifetime of the wind farm. Among the first beneficiaries were a local school, community center and sports and outdoor associations.
Telenor Infra AS and Hydro Extrusion Sweden have signed power purchase agreements (PPA) with Hydro Energy for a supply from Stor-Skälsjön. Eolus will provide technical, operational, and administrative services for the wind farm on a 15-year contract.
Stor-Skälsjön is the first wind farm co-developed by Hydro Rein reaching full commercial operation in Sweden, where Hydro Rein has more than 30 wind farm projects under development.