Wind power overtakes nuclear in Sweden for first time

Electricity production from wind power hits record high in Sweden in 2024, with wind power overtaking nuclear power for the first time in the last quarter, the Swedish Wind Energy Association (SWEA) said in a statement.
In December, wind power was the largest source of electricity for the first time, ahead of hydro and nuclear power, accounting for 35% of output, with monthly output at record high, SWEA said.
“The December result gives hope. Wind power can account for a large share of the electricity production needed to keep electrification from losing momentum, to enable a climate transition and to achieve Sweden’s climate goals,” it said.
For the whole of last year, wind power accounted for 25% of generation, up from 22% in 2023, after hydro and nuclear power.
Still, the Swedish government in November rejected applications to build 13 offshore wind farms, citing safety concerns in the Baltic Sea. It also removed subsidies for connecting offshore wind projects to Sweden’s power grid.
The government believes Sweden needs to double electricity production over the next two decades to around 300 TWh to meet increased demand and meet climate goals, and plans to develop nuclear power.
“2024 offered normal winds, but thanks to the expansion of wind power, annual production was 40.8 TWh, the highest annual production ever,” SWEA said, citing official data.
A SWEA spokesman said that, assuming similar wind intensities and electricity prices, wind power production should be at least as large in 2025 as in 2024.