Investments in Swedish wind power stronger than ever before.

Swedish wind power has undeniable wind in its sails as new stations are being set up in a faster pace than ever before - despite tumbling electricity prices and global economic crisis.

During 2009 some 8 billion kronor (€770 million, $1.1 billion) were invested in 200 wind power stations with a combined capacity of circa 500 megawatts, according to business daily Dagens Industri. The investments are more than twice as large as during the previous year and the expansion considerably faster than in many other countries.

“It’s very positive and a sign of strength for the entire industry that continues to attract very large investments and grow rapidly in the worst downturn in modern times”, said Mattias Rapp, chief executive officer at Swedish Wind Energy, a trade organisation that looks after the financial interests of its members.

Behind the new investments are a wide range of organisations, from large companies listed on the stock exchange to independents farmers.

During December's climate summit in Copenhagen Sweden was among those nine European countries signing a deal to develop a massive offshore wind power grid in the North Sea and Irish Sea. The countries involved aim to devise a work plan in early 2010 to coordinate offshore infrastructure development.