2.5 billion invested to secure electricity supply

Billion-dollar investments in power lines and stations are necessary for the development of new industries in the Skellefteå area. The investment will lead to a potential output in the region of approximately 2,000 MW, which is equivalent to 20 cities the size of Skellefteå.

Maria Jalvemo, of Svenska Kraftnät, talks about the 2.5 billion kronor investment in the Skellefteå area.

Maria Jalvemo, of Svenska Kraftnät, talks about the 2.5 billion kronor investment in the Skellefteå area.

Foto: Jonny Vikström

Skellefteå2023-04-21 13:33

Three projects are being combined into one initiative that will take place in the municipalities of Skellefteå and Norsjö. The projects are called Vargfors–Strömfors, Strömfors–Högnäs, and the Strömfors station. The investment is part of the Fossil-Free Upper Norrland package, FÖN.

Strömfors–Högnäs and Vargfors–Strömnäs involve two new 400 kV power lines. Additionally, investments are planned for the existing stations around Vargfors and Högnäs, near Krångfors, and a new station around Strömfors.

The total amount of the investment is approximately 2.5 billion kronor.

On May 9th, Svenska Kraftnät will hold a meeting ahead of the consultation in Skellefteå. The consultation is planned to take place in the autumn.

– We know the start and end points of the power lines and have looked at the corridors for the lines. It could involve our own routes or, for example, running parallel to Skellefteå Kraft's lines, says Maria Jalvemo, program manager for the Fossil-Free Upper Norrland initiative.

Attendees will include urban planners, project managers, permit holders, or planning administrators.

– We may become aware of, for example, protected areas or obstacles that exist or are planned within the establishment area.

It will be carried out as a workshop.

– We are testing a new approach and have broadened the interest groups. This could include industries, traffic agencies, the defense force, and energy market partners.

The exact route of the power lines must now be determined. The current corridors could be a few kilometers wide, and overhead power lines will be built.

– The power grid is adapted to this, and there will be significant network losses if we bury the lines."

Svenska Kraftnät is also working to shorten the project timelines. This means that the goal is for a power line to be in operation seven years after the start of the investigation, compared to the normal 14 years. Part of this time is to conduct meetings before consultations.

The entire initiative along the Norrland coast includes eight planned power line and station projects. All parts are currently in the planning phase. A total of 8.4 billion kronor is being invested and the initiative should be operational between 2028 and 2030.

The investment will lead to a potential output in the region of approximately 2,000 MW, which is equivalent to 20 cities the size of Skellefteå.

More overhead power lines will be needed.
More overhead power lines will be needed.