Hexicon and Mainstream Renewable Power have submitted an application for the development of the 2.5 GW Mareld renewable energy project in Sweden, which is set to be the world's largest floating offshore wind farm. The project is expected to be based in the Skagerrak region off the west coast of the country, where high winds and deep water make it ideal for the development of an offshore wind farm. When completed, Mareld will provide 9-12 TWh of clean energy annually, and could potentially fulfill more than half of the electricity consumption of Sweden's second-most populous county.
Sweden has only 162 MW of wind capacity in its waters. However, the country’s 1,867 km coastline positions it well to benefit from the further development of offshore wind power. Several large-scale projects are scheduled in Sweden, and Mareld is expected to be a major player. Being located around 40 km west of Orust, the project will be barely visible from land.
The Swedish Government is currently considering the application for the Mareld project and is seeking input from relevant authorities. With permitting, delivery of renewable energy from the project is hoped to begin as early as 2027 or 2028. The Mareld floating offshore wind farm represents a significant milestone in Sweden's efforts to shift toward better sustainable and renewable energy. The completion of this project will help contribute to the country's goal of carbon neutrality by 2045.