Sweden to scrap taxes on solar energy in 2017

STOCKHOLM, Sweden – Sweden is set to ditch taxes on its production of solar energy in 2017 in a bid to run entirely on renewable energy by 2040, the government said on Monday, November 21. 

Solar energy is currently marginal in the Nordic nation, accounting for less than 0.1% of electricity production. Sweden relies mostly on hydropower (39%) and nuclear power (36%).

The finance ministry said in a statement that the production of solar electricity for own use would be entirely exempt from taxes. Electricity providers would meanwhile only be taxed 500 kronor (51 euros) per megawatt hour, which is a 98% reduction from the current level.

“This makes fast investments possible,” Social Democratic Finance Minister Magdalena Andersson said.

The proposal is likely to be adopted by parliament, with the center-right opposition having criticized the minister for her lack of ambition relating to renewable energy investments.

The move must also be approved by the European Commission in Brussels, which aims to boost the EU’s share of renewable energy to at least 20% of consumption. 

In October, the Swedish energy market regulator had estimated that in order to reach the target of 100% renewable energy, the share of solar electricity would have to rise to between 5% and 10%. – Rappler.com