Sweden: Long lead times for power line projects

In Sweden, processing are still ongoing for constructing the planned power line of 189 kilometres between Ekhyddan and Hemsjö in the Småland and Blekinge regions. Planning was started in 2012, and construction can be launched in 2025 according to electricity grid operator Svenska Kraftnät. It is further expected that the line can be commissioned in 2028. Commissioning was originally scheduled for 2021. The long time frame is attributed to several permit processes and appeals from land owners, among other things. Planning for a power line of about 70 kilometres between Skogssäter, Trollhättan and Stenkullen, Lerum was also launched in 2012. So far, Svenska Kraftnät has been granted permission for only about 20 kilometres. The remainder will require further investigations. Svenska Kraftnät reports that the average total lead time for a new power line is about 12 years, while the goal is to reduce the time to 6 to 7 years. Per Eckemark, head of the grid division at Svenska Kraftnät, says that the green shift will otherwise be at risk.