Vida inaugurates major solar park in southern Sweden

One of Sweden’s largest solar parks, located near Sölvesborg in Blekinge, has now been inaugurated. It is estimated that the solar park will contribute 19 GWh of electricity production to electricity area 4 in southern Sweden, where the need for electricity is greatest. In addition to Vida, the investment is backed by Bixia and the solar energy company Svea Solar, who are collaborating to advance the green transition.

The solar park, which is called Hörby, will generate around 19 million kWh, which is the equivalent of the electricity consumption of around 3,800 houses. As a result, southern Sweden where there is a great need for energy and a large electricity production deficit, will get a well-needed boost of renewable, locally produced electricity. Electricity area SE4, where the park is located, is one of the two electricity areas in Sweden with the highest demand for electricity and the highest prices.

The initiative is important to the green energy transition and all collaborating parties have an important role to play. Svea Solar owns and manages the solar farm and Vida buys the electricity via the electricity company Bixia, through a long-term, fixed-price Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).

“We are very happy that the new solar park has been inaugurated and is in operation. It means we can reduce our climate impact even further. Powering our production with solar power is an important step in our climate efforts,” says Måns Johansson, CEO of Vida.

Vida is a global supplier of processed products from Swedish forests, and the group’s activities already help to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The forest captures carbon dioxide, and the company produces emissions-neutral energy from the sawmills’ by-products.

“Like us, the Vida sawmill group has high levels of ambition when it comes to the climate area. That’s why we’re delighted to collaborate with them to expand solar power capacity in southern Sweden, where the need is greatest. Locally produced renewable energy is key to the green transition,” says Magnus Reitersjö, Bixia’s Deputy CEO.

Construction commenced in autumn 2022 and the solar park is now ready to be put into operation. Solar cell parks are by far the fastest route to more renewable energy, while electricity power agreements are accelerating the expansion of large-scale solar power.

“We’re seeing growing interest amongst Swedish companies in these types of long-term power purchase agreements. This is good news and it’s hugely significant that more companies are choosing this type of agreement as it encourages the construction of more solar parks and increases the production of renewable energy, which in turn bolsters our transition to a more sustainable future,” says Pontus Skog, Head of Solar Park Development at Svea Solar.

Upholding and preserving biodiversity in the area is important. Vida is currently investigating whether it is possible to allow sheep to graze in the park during summertime. The solar panels create shade and make the grass more nutritious for grazing, while the sheep help to keep the grass and other vegetation short.

Participants at the inauguration included the Chair of the Municipal Assembly of Sölvesborg, Arne Bogren (M), the Deputy Chairperson of the Executive Committee, Kith Mårtensson (M) and Heléne Björklund, Member of Parliament from Sölvesborg (S).

Photo: Magnus Reitersjö, Deputy CEO Bixia, Erik Dahl, Deputy CEO Vida, and Pontus Skog, Head of Solar Park Development at Svea Solar.

If you have any questions, please contact:
Måns Johansson, CEO Vida AB, +46 (0)70-535 88 25