Large-scale solar power with voluntary environmental permit

In Sjöbo municipality, OX2 is planning the large-scale solar power project Kogshult, and has applied for a voluntary environmental permit. Ecogain was commissioned to run the permit process with consultations, background studies and environmental impact assessment (EIA). 

- We are very pleased with Ecogain's drive in the project and the cooperation with them, says Tobias Karmstig, project manager at OX2.  

The new solar park in Sjöbo covers more than 100 hectares of land and is expected to produce about 90 GWh per year. This is just over five percent of all solar energy in Sweden, and covers the annual consumption of household electricity for 18,000 homes. 

OX2 turned to Ecogain for expert support and advice in the licensing process and before decisions, in-depth knowledge, proposals for measures, development of structural capital, and - not least - high-quality application documents. 

In a project of this size, several baseline studies are carried out, which Ecogain has done: 

• nature value inventory  

• bird surveys  

• species protection study 

Within the framework of the project, an amphibian study, crowned wildlife analysis and agricultural production analysis have also been produced. Furthermore, we have helped with the design of the alternative study and the layout of the solar park.  

Net positive impact on biodiversity 

OX2 aims for all its solar parks to be nature positive - i.e. to have a net positive effect on biodiversity - by 2030. To achieve this, Ecogain has worked in a structured way according to the consideration hierarchy to avoid and minimize negative effects and consequences on biodiversity in Kogshult.  

At the same time, together with OX2, we have identified opportunities to restore natural environments and implement measures that benefit biodiversity. The measures, which mainly involve improving and creating habitats and pollen and nectar resources, were presented in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). They are voluntary measures that OX2 has undertaken to implement to promote biodiversity in and around the solar park. 

- The issue of biodiversity conservation is important and highly topical. It is great to work with OX2, which has realized this and wants to make a difference by taking the issue seriously and working in a positive direction for biodiversity," says Karolina Adolphson, project manager for the Kogshult solar park at Ecogain.