Stor-Skälsjön wind farm handed over to Hydro Rein and MEAG

The expected annual production of 800 GWh is handled commercially by Hydro Energy. 

“We have set out to be a leading provider of renewable energy to assist industrials in the Nordics with their decarbonization efforts. This marks an important milestone for Hydro Rein. With the Stor-Skälsjön wind farm development we have also proven our strong commitment to sustainability and stakeholder engagement,” said Head of Hydro Rein in Europe, Lisa Haukaas. 

Stor-Skälsjön has been jointly constructed by Eolus, who divested its 51 percent share of the project in 2022, and Hydro Rein, under a Construction Management agreement. In 2022, the construction of roads, crane pads, foundations, and the internal electrical grid started. In 2023, Siemens Gamesa began installing the wind turbines, and all turbines were erected by November the same year. Electricity production at Stor-Skälsjön started in September 2023. Since then, it has gradually increased. 

"We are delighted to announce the successful take-over of Stor-Skälsjön wind farm, one of our key wind power projects in Sweden. This strategic investment further strengthens the stability and resilience of our 1.8 GWp renewable energy portfolio, which is an integral part of our Infrastructure Equity portfolio. As a major investor in clean energy, we are proud to support the transition to a more sustainable future. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Eolus and Hydro Rein for the collaborative spirit and trust throughout this project, and we look forward to our continued partnership," said Philipp Deisler, Head of Infrastructure Equity Asset Management at MEAG.

Engaging with local stakeholders, such as Sami, hunting teams and cultural associations was prioritized during the development and construction of the wind farm. The first local community support grants have already been given out according to a model that was established, which will run through the lifetime of the wind farm. Among the first beneficiaries were a local school, community center and sports and outdoor associations. 

Telenor Infra AS and Hydro Extrusion Sweden have signed power purchase agreements (PPA) with Hydro Energy for a supply from Stor-Skälsjön. Eolus will provide technical, operational, and administrative services for the wind farm on a 15-year contract. 

Stor-Skälsjön is the first wind farm co-developed by Hydro Rein in Sweden, where Hydro Rein has more than 30 wind farm projects under development. 

About Hydro Rein 

Hydro Rein is a leading provider of renewable energy solutions to industrials, co-owned by the renewable energy and aluminium company Hydro and infrastructure investor Macquarie Asset Management. The company has a diversified portfolio of more than 60 wind, solar and energy efficiency projects under development in core markets in the Nordics and Brazil. After three years of growth in renewable energy, Hydro Rein has a gross capacity of 8.4 GW in its portfolio and long-term contracts signed for a production of 5.3 TWh per year. 

About MEAG 

MEAG is the asset manager of Munich Re Group. With branches in Europe, Asia and North America, MEAG also offers its extensive know-how to institutional investors and private clients from outside the company group. MEAG currently manages assets to the value of around € 354bn, € 63bn of which for non-Group investors.