Kungälv, Sweden

Mikael Bergmark, leading Flower’s Nordic asset development team, was one of the key initiators and project managers for the Kungälv battery build. He approached the Kungälv project similar to how Flower as a company undertakes all of its battery projects.

“We first ensured the land was appropriate for construction, that all necessary permits were in place, collaborating closely with local water- and fire authorities to make sure the project wouldn’t interfere with nearby nature or industry, and several other crucial steps. This thorough process is led entirely in-house by Flower’s experts in battery development and in close collaboration with the local community, the industries in the area as well as with the municipality and land owners, to ensure we reach a win-win situation for everyone,” he says.

Kungälv municipality: Becoming an energy innovation leader

On the other side of the battery project pipeline was Miguel Odhner, the mayor of Kungälv municipality. He early on realized the potential of energy storage systems and was enthusiastic to hear about Flower’s plans in Kungälv. It also aligned well with new national energy policy initiatives that put pressure on the region at the time.

“Before this project started, the Swedish government tasked the County Administrative Board with finding a model to double Sweden’s energy production within five years. This initiative was great, since it politically forced us in Västra Götaland and all regions to work together and establish a unified energy policy for how to produce energy. Flower’s project emerged as part of this momentum, helping us maintain a leading role in employment, industry, and of course, the climate,” says Odhner.

The many ups of BESS

Battery energy storage systems (BESS) come with several clear advantages for municipalities. They stabilize the local grid, support renewable energy integration, and help position the municipality as a leader in sustainable innovation. However, municipalities considering these modern infrastructures often associate them with certain risks and complications. Safety, noise, radiation, industrial disruption – valid yet virtually overstated concerns that can overshadow the benefits.

When Flower approached Kungälv Municipality with its plan to build a state-of-the-art energy storage system, these concerns were naturally part of the conversation. Through constant dialogue and collaboration, Flower helped Kungälv to put the risks and concerns into perspective, resulting in a trouble-free and smooth building process.