Nordic energy company Ilmatar aims to boost solar energy production in Sweden with the Tönnersjö photovoltaic park. Covering 450 hectares, this project in Halland County was planned after the signing of a land lease in 2022 with Silvestica Green Forest, a forest owner. Planning for this project involved extensive consultations with local stakeholders and an environmental impact assessment. This rigorous approach has resulted in a balanced plan that ensures minimal impact on biodiversity. The permit application submitted to the regional authorities marks a strategic step forward in Ilmatar’s energy development in Sweden.
Project Capacity and Benefits
With a capacity of over 450 MW, the Tönnersjö solar park will supply enoughelectricity to meet the needs of over 23,000 households in southern Sweden. This direct energy production, connected to the national grid, is intended to boostelectricity supply in the southern zone (SE4), where demand is particularly high. This park will become a major contributor to national renewable energy targets.
Ilmatar Ecological Strategy
By exceeding the threshold of one gigawatt of project applications submitted to the authorities, Ilmatar has rapidly established its presence in the Swedish renewable energy market. Christian Gustafsson, Managing Director of Ilmatar in Sweden, emphasizes that the company prefers to work at sites with low environmental impact. The Tönnersjö project land consists mainly of ready-to-harvest production forests, excluding areas of high natural value. By minimizing the impact on biodiversity, Ilmatar ensures that solar energy production is aligned with sound ecological objectives.
Synergy between Ecology and Green Energy
The Tönnersjö solar park is a unique example of the synergy between ecology and green energy production. The project aims to enhance local biodiversity by restoring the area’s moorland landscape. According to Robert Wedmo, Licensing Manager at Ilmatar, this initiative not only generates clean energy, it also helps revitalize Halland’s ecosystems. Rickard Lehmann, Senior Consultant at Silvestica Green Forest, welcomes this collaboration between the two companies, which translates into a holistic approach to sustainability. Lehmann points out that forests themselves use solar energy through photosynthesis, resulting in massive carbon dioxide storage in the wood. By adding Ilmatar’s green electricity production, the forest makes a significant contribution to ecological objectives.
The Tönnersjö project represents a major step forward for Ilmatar in Sweden’s energy transition. The company has demonstrated its ability to innovate by striking a balance between energy production and respect for the environment. With its 450 MW of installed capacity, Tönnersjö will make a substantial contribution to Sweden’s energy landscape. Thanks to a solid strategy and strategic collaborations, Ilmatar is consolidating its position as a leader in renewable energy and creating a model for other green energy projects.
