Collaboration and competitiveness in focus at Bruzaholm’s inauguration

In sunny weather, with the wind turbines spinning in the background, the Bruzaholm facility was inaugurated on 20 May in front of guests who had followed the project from development to operation.

The inauguration was hosted by Ulrika Ritzén, Head of Vattenfall’s onshore wind power in Europe. In her opening speech, she highlighted the people behind the project:

For me, Bruzaholm is more than just technology, energy supply and investment. It is about the people who have been involved in bringing the project to reality. Without you, we would not be here today.

Strengthening the electricity system in southern Sweden

The wind farm consists of 21 onshore wind turbines with an installed capacity of 139 MW and an annual production of approximately 460 GWh of electricity. The site also includes a battery storage facility that contributes to increased flexibility and stability in the electricity system.

“The combination of wind power and battery storage helps stabilise the electricity system – a clear example of how new technologies can strengthen the energy transition and enable the integration of more fossil-free electricity,” said Ulrika Ritzén.

Collaboration with Volvo, the municipality and a range of suppliers

A key part of the project is the ten-year agreement with Volvo, under which the company will purchase half of the electricity generated by the wind farm. The project has also been delivered in close collaboration with a wide range of suppliers and partners, including local contractors who have contributed to the construction.

During the inauguration, Vattenfall’s CEO Anna Borg highlighted the importance of collaborations in this type of project.

“This project is a very concrete example of how close collaboration between the municipality, suppliers and other stakeholders, industry and us as an energy company makes this type of project possible to deliver. This is how we accelerate the transition,” said Anna Borg.

From an industrial perspective, the need for a stable electricity supply was emphasised.

“Access to a stable and competitive electricity supply is one of the key issues for European industry. For us at Volvo Group, this is about both our own operations and helping to strengthen Sweden’s and Europe’s competitiveness, said Martin Lundstedt, President and CEO of the Volvo Group.

Local benefits in Eksjö

The establishment of the wind farm has also had positive effects at a local level. A large number of local businesses have been involved in the construction, and the project is contributing to both job creation and economic growth.

“I am proud that Eksjö Municipality is contributing to the energy transition. This is an example of what becomes possible when a municipality dares to take responsibility and engage in long-term partnership, and I hope that more municipalities will follow, said Markus Kyllenbeck, Chair of the Municipal Executive Board in Eksjö Municipality.

Eksjö Municipality receives state support linked to wind power, which for Bruzaholm amounts to approximately 2.8 million SEK in 2026, with continued support in the coming years. Vattenfall is also allocating 13,000 SEK per wind turbine to local initiatives. To date, over 500,000 SEK has been paid out to projects in the local area, which have gone towards refurbishing a ski resort, bathing jetties and similar investments.

Sustainability from construction to operation

The project has been developed with a clear focus on reducing its climate impact, including through material choices, reuse of materials and measures to consider biodiversity in the area.

“Bruzaholm has had sustainability at its core from the outset. We have used solutions such as concrete with lower CO₂ emissions and worked on efficient material management to reduce the project’s climate impact. Through close collaboration with local suppliers, we have also been able to shorten transport distances and thereby reduce the impact of the construction work,” said Ulrika Ritzén.

Inaugurated for the future

The inauguration concluded with representatives from Vattenfall, Volvo and Eksjö Municipality jointly declaring the wind farm open.

“I see this as a sign of increased competitiveness – in Europe, in Sweden and here in Eksjö. This is an example of what we can achieve together,” said Anna Borg.

With Bruzaholm now operational, new electricity generation is being added to southern Sweden – and a project that has been developed over several years in close collaboration is now entering its next phase.