European Energy initiates construction of Sweden’s first large-scale hybrid energy park in Tingsryd
European Energy has commenced the construction of Sweden’s pioneering large-scale hybrid park in Skåramåla, located within the municipality of Tingsryd. This groundbreaking project enhances an existing wind farm with the addition of a solar park, optimizing land use and leveraging the same grid connection for electricity output.
The newly designed hybrid facility aims to produce a substantial 163 GWh of green electricity annually, which is enough to power approximately 32,600 households. Of this total, 38 GWh will be generated from the solar park, with the remainder provided by the existing wind power capabilities. Peter Braun, the country manager for Sweden at European Energy, highlighted the strategic use of land previously utilized for wind power, optimizing it further with solar energy to meet diverse public interests and enhance energy output.
The construction involves transforming 49 hectares of forest land, which was already earmarked for felling, into a site suitable for solar energy production. The process includes burying rocks and leveling the ground using onsite soil, thereby minimizing external soil transport and ensuring an environmentally friendly setup. Braun emphasized the company’s commitment to local involvement by employing local subcontractors for the groundwork.
European Energy is not only focused on energy production but also on increasing biodiversity within the park. Future plans include various environmental initiatives such as creating amphibian-friendly ponds, planting berry and flowering shrubs, and establishing insect hotels and birdhouses. Additionally, the solar park is designed as a temporary facility, with a lifespan of about 35 years, after which the land will be returned to forestry or repurposed for other uses.
The installation of solar panels is scheduled for the upcoming spring, with the goal of having the solar park operational and contributing to the grid by the end of 2024. This project represents a significant step towards sustainable energy production in Sweden, combining solar and wind power to ensure a more balanced and reliable energy output throughout the year.
The initiation of the hybrid park by European Energy is a landmark development in Sweden’s renewable energy landscape. This project not only underscores the potential for multi-source renewable energy production but also sets a precedent for innovative land use and environmental stewardship. As the world moves towards more sustainable energy solutions, hybrid systems like the one in Skåramåla serve as a scalable model for effectively harnessing natural resources while preserving ecological balance.