Already in 2017, Fred was granted. Olsen Renewables AB permission to build and operate a wind power plant with 27 wind turbines with a maximum total height of 210 meters at Verkanliden in Storuman municipality.
At first, the company had until autumn 2025 to start operations, but then applied for an extended start-up period, which was approved last year until September 17, 2030.
The decisions have been appealed by Vapsten Samiby, which last autumn was not given the right by the court.
But it is not the only process in cases. The wind power company has also received permission to build larger wind turbines than originally planned – 250 meters instead of 210 meters. It was also appealed by the Sami village and even now it was rejected.
Inger-Ann Omma, who represents the Sami village, thinks that the court does not take into account the large impact wind power has on reindeer husbandry in general.
It is unclear whether to appeal again
An individual wind farm may not have such a big impact – but the amount of wind farms that now exist and are planned in grazing areas mean that they as a whole have a big impact, she notes.
– When the original permit was granted in 2018, the cumulative pressure of wind power did not look the same as it does now. I don’t think they have taken that into account, but they have barely bothered to justify it from what was a central part of our appeal, she says.
Whether Vapsten Sameby intends to appeal once more has not yet been decided.
– I haven’t had time to draw up a strategy or discuss with the Sami village. But I think the court is reasoning completely wrong about the relationship with the reindeer industry, she says.
Any appeal must be received by April 9 at the latest.