Ellevio, one of Sweden’s major energy companies, has completed the acquisition of Markbygden Net AB, a modern transmission network which connects Europe’s largest wind farm cluster Markbygden 1101 outside Piteå in northern Sweden. This strategic move marks Ellevio’s entry into Sweden’s northern electricity region and reinforces its commitment to advancing Sweden’s path toward achieving net-zero emissions by 2045.
“We play a key role in the electrification of industry and transport, including the distribution of electricity from the increasing share of renewables in the energy system. With the acquisition of Markbygden Net AB, we will be a long-term, reliable and engaged partner that secures the supply of green electricity to growing industry needs”, says Johan Lindehag, CEO of Ellevio.
Ellevio has been dedicated to facilitating the integration of additional wind and solar farms within its network regions in central Sweden. It recognises the significance of investments in upgrading and extending the capacity of regional and local networks, as well as substantial investments in energy storage infrastructure, to accommodate the growing presence of renewables in the national electricity system.
“The green transition is happening everywhere, but northern Sweden is the spearhead for the industrial transition to carbon neutrality. By expanding north, Ellevio will come closer to several large electricity producers as well as Sweden’s most electricity-intensive industries. It is strategically significant for us to enable energy transition and electrification in more parts of the country”, says Lindehag.
“The size and the technical installations are examples of how renewables contribute a large, reliable and increasing share of the energy mix while providing support functions to the national grid. We are proud that this important energy infrastructure project, successfully developed and realised by Svevind, is now transferred to a major electricity distribution company”, states Wolfgang Kropp, CEO and founder of the SVEVIND Energy Group.
Markbygden 1101, Europe’s largest wind farm cluster has a total production capacity, estimated to c. 3,400 MW, delivering up to 12 TWh per year, around 7 percent of Sweden’s total electricity production. In comparison, the annual production from the Lule river (Luleälven) hydro production is approximately 14 TWh.
