STOCKHOLM, Jan 9 (Reuters) - Electricity output from wind hit a record high in Sweden in 2024, with wind exceeding nuclear power for the first three-month period ever in the last quarter, the Swedish Wind Energy Association (SWEA) said in a statement.

In December, wind was the largest source of electricity for the first time, ahead of hydro and nuclear power, making up 35% of production, with record monthly output, the SWEA said.

"The December outcome gives hope. Wind power can account for a large part of the electricity production needed for electrification not to lose momentum, to enable a climate transition, and to achieve Sweden's climate goals," it said.

For all of last year, wind accounted for 25% of generation, up from 22% in 2023, after hydro and nuclear power.

Still, the Swedish government in November rejected applications to build 13 offshore wind farms, citing Baltic Sea security concerns. It also removed subsidies for connecting offshore wind projects to Sweden's power grid.

The government believes Sweden needs to double electricity output in the next two decades to around 300 TWh to meet higher demand and reach climate targets, and it plans to build out nuclear power.

"2024 offered normal winds, but thanks to the expansion of wind power, the annual production was 40.8 TWh, the highest annual production ever," SWEA said, citing official data.

An SWEA spokesperson said that, assuming similar wind strengths and electricity prices, output from wind power should be at least as big in 2025 as in 2024.

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https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/wind-power-tops-nuclear-sweden-first-time-trade-group-says-2025-01-09/