Environment in Sweden

Fröberg & Lundholm Advokatbyrå

Fröberg & Lundholm Advokatbyrå works with national and international clients across the steel, minerals, paper and waste management sectors, and is intimately familiar with domestic courts and legislation, regularly representing clients before environmental courts and authorities in permit procedures and other regulatory matters; the practice also advises foreign government agencies. Magnus Fröberg focuses on permit procedures and commercial transactions, while Mikael Hägglöf helps organisations navigate green legislation. Group head Mikael Berglund specialises in environmental criminal law and is highly active in the wind power and mining industries. Mikael Lundholm retired in 2022.

Practice head(s):

Mikael Berglund


Other key lawyers:

Magnus Fröberg; Mikael Hägglöf


Key clients

Northvolt AB


SSAB


Boliden AB


Orsted A/S


Vattenfall AB


H2GS AB


SCA


Re:NewCell AB


Work highlights


  • Advising Northvolt AB on the establishment of battery factories in Sweden.
  • Advising H2GS AB on the establishment of a fossil free integrated steel mill.
  • Advising Vattenfall AB in relation to three major offshore wind parks in the Swedish exclusive economic zone.

Mannheimer Swartling

Mannheimer Swartling advises a range of clients including industrial companies, energy corporations and government bodies and municipalities. The firm possesses ‘strong knowledge of the sectorand has been active in permit processing work at all levels of the Swedish government regarding power plants, mines, quarries, waste management issues and infrastructure projects. Team head Anna Bryngelsson specialises in permitting for the mineral industry and is intimately familiar with the Land and Environment courts. Therese Strömshed has been increasingly active in the practice due to the departure of Felicia Ullerstam, advising on the project development and permitting processes of energy infrastructure matters. Joel Mårtensson demonstrates considerable expertise in contaminated land and water issues, as well as environmental commercial transactions, and Caroline Perlström is a key contact for waste legislation mandates.

Practice head(s):

Anna Bryngelsson


Other key lawyers:

Therese Strömshed; Joel Mårtensson; Caroline Perlström


Testimonials

‘They are very knowledgeable and experienced and always give information and feedback in a timely manner.’

‘Strong knowledge of the sector.’

‘Dedication, commitment and the highest level of professionalism.’

‘Therese Strömshed was the lead for our work and my primary point of contact. She went above and beyond to make sure our projects stayed on track. And, while we try to be respectful of the time zone difference, Therese was always willing to jump on a call to resolve time sensitive issues.’

‘Large team. Good ability to be able to service a large volume of work.’

Key clients

OX2 AB


Gas-System S.A.


Heidelberg Cement Group


Perstorp Oxo AB


Renewable Power Capital


Copperstone Resources AB


Talga AB


Metsä Group


Boliden Mineral AB


Eolus Vind AB


City of Stockholm


Green Investment Group (Corio)


CirChem AB


Energinet A/S


Work highlights


  • Advising OX2 AB on all permit proceedings relating to its large-scale offshore wind portfolio development located on the Swedish Exclusive Economic Zone.
  • Advised HeidelbergCement Group/Cementa AB on all legal aspects of the world’s first carbon-neutral cement plant in Slite, Gotland.
  • Advised Svensk Kärnbränslehantering AB on several parallel permit processes regarding the final repository system for radioactive waste in Sweden.

Setterwalls

Setterwalls‘ environmental practice demonstrates strength across regulatory, transactional and contentious work. The firm is active in key markets in the nuclear, wind and water sectors, and have an impressive track record in remediation issues, advising clients on both residential and industrial developments. The team’s broad client base spans pharmaceuticals, chemical and food corporates, as well as mining and energy companies. The group has a particular specialism in project development issues, as well as extensive expertise in advising on permit proceedings before the Swedish courts. Practice head Anders Linnerborg is a key contact for water law and mineral matters, and is extremely knowledgeable on climate change legislation; he works closely with Tove Andersson on permit proceedings. Malin Wikström represents maritime and aviation bodies in environmental permitting proceedings, and has expertise in water activities, environmental damages claims and criminal issues. Linnea Ljung stands out for her ability to handle contract and liability issues as well as regulatory matters, and Tove Skärblom is also active in the practice.

Practice head(s):

Anders Linnerborg


Other key lawyers:

Tove Andersson; Malin Wikström; Linnea Ljung; Tove Skärblom


Testimonials

‘Our contact Tove Andersson is very service minded, correct and responds quickly. Setterwalls keeps us informed of the latest updates concerning our cases.’

‘Their knowledge and experience within our field is excellent. They have an ability to give quick and well thought out advice and adapt it to our situation. In court they are stable, very professional and confident.’

‘Excellent support not only in the complex legal area, but also in contacts with concerned authorities to drive needed decisions.’

‘Linnea Ljung has been very dedicated and clear regarding advice’. 

‘The team at Setterwalls working with environmental law are outstanding. They have vast experience and always deliver’. 

‘A stable and knowledgeable agency. No work is too small to get good legal advice. Outstanding knowledge in legal challenges within harbour/water works. Always delivers on time.’

‘Malin Wikström is very knowledgeable, has considerable experience, and is quick in responding. Also excellent at providing strategic advice.’

‘Setterwalls’ Tove Andersson is a great expert, leader and co-worker. She has put together a strong supporting team. They have a very close relation to the customer and really understand circumstances and needs.’

Key clients

Borås Energi och Miljö AB


Borås Stad


Arise AB


AB Sydsten


SR Energy AB


Svevia AB


Svenska Kaolin AB


Lindab AB


Arkema Group


Skanska Öresund AB


Befesa Scandust AB


Sydvatten AB


Clarendon House Capital


Rabbalshede Kraft AB


Veidekke Industri AB


BJC Group


Titan X Holding AB


Bertling Enviro AB


Samgräv Recycling AB, part of Bellman Group


NCC Industry AB


Clarios EMEA


Eurowind Energy AB


Orkla Foods Sverige AB


Sveriges geologiska undersökning


Harvard University


Jönköping Energi AB


ÅGAB Syd AB


Scandinavian stone AB


Naturstenskompaniet Sverige AB


O Kavli AB


Svevia AB


Swedavia AB


Port of Gothenburg, City of Gothenburg


Dannemora Iron AB


wpd Offshore Sweden AB


RWE Renewables AB


Holmen Energi AB


Dala Vind AB


wpd Scandinavia AB


Skellefteå Kraft


Work highlights


  • Represented Eytrasalt Offshore AB and Polargrund Offshore AB in permit proceedings for two new offshore wind farms.
  • Assisting Macquarie group with investigating and assessing the liability for major bunker oil disasters.
  • Advising Östhammars kommun and Oskarshamns kommun on permitting matters relating to the construction and operation of plants for the final disposal of spent nuclear fuel and waste.

Advokatfirman Delphi

Advokatfirman Delphi's environmental team has ‘unique knowledge’ of the sector, advising public and private developers, public sector bodies and contractors. The group specialises in permit issues, the remediation of contaminated land, environmental liability claims and ESG-related mandates. The practice is headed up by Erica Nobel, who focuses on polluted land issues; Christian Härdgård, who has been active in quarry, aggregate and petroleum operations; waste and water specialist Elisabeth Werner; and Oskar Frankki, who advises companies on liability issues.

Practice head(s):

Erica Nobel; Christian Härdgård; Elisabeth Werner; Oskar Frankki


Testimonials

‘This practice has a unique knowledge in the environmental field. Top notch personnel.’

‘I first heard of Delphi by recommendation. Christian Härdgård has tremendous experience in these matters and provides brilliant support and written statements that help me feel safe in these difficult times.’

‘Erica Nobel alerts us to changes in the law and investigations in areas that concern us without us asking. She always responds quickly.’

‘What distinguishes the team’s abilities above all is that in a relaxed way they are incredibly professional, knowledgeable and create a genuine trust in their ability to look after the client’s best interests.’

‘The main characteristics of Erica Nobel are her determination to be at the top of her ability and always deliver with the utmost quality. Key words that I want to be associated with Erica are flexibility, responsiveness and accuracy. Christian Härdgård is a solid lawyer who is always available and creates a lot of trust while he is a joy to work with. Both Erica Nobel and Christian Härdgård are very good ambassadors for the legal profession.’ 

‘Delphi have an exceptionally good knowledge of the industry and the issues that my projects concern. They are always available if really needed and are solution oriented.’

‘Delphi have a very good insight into the legal and practical needs that drive our projects (environmental permit applications) forward. Always satisfied with the results. Never disappointed when working with Elisabeth Werner, Christian Härdgård or Erica Nobel.’

‘The practice is well staffed with qualified and highly service-orientated individuals, always with an ear on the ground picking up what’s new in the environmental sector. The practice is of great value to our business.’

Key clients

HSB Skåne ek för


Oresund Heavy Industries AB


Peab Bostad AB


Sun Chemical


Swerock AB


Nordic Storage AB


Scandinavian Tank Storage AB


MKB Fastighets AB


RGS Nordic AB


Copenhagen Malmö Port AB


SPI Miljösaneringsfond AB (SPIMFAB)


Malmö Stad


Hummeltorp Sverige AB


Norrköpings kommun


Work highlights


  • Advised Swerock AB regarding quarry operations, waste management, landfilling and recycling and the related permit processes.

Foyen Advokatfirma

The ‘highly skilled’ team at Foyen Advokatfirma is the key point of contact for mining related matters, advising clients on exploration permits, exploitation concessions and other issues regarding land allocation for both gold and fluorspar mines. The interdisciplinary team combines energy, construction and commercial expertise to act on environment-related permits, impact assessments, contracts, financings, procurement processes, due diligence and M&A matters. The group also demonstrates a strong understanding of water and forestry issues. Team head Pia Pehrson focuses on representing clients before courts and authorities, and provides expert knowledge on permit and concession applications. Caterina Carreman is active in mining, water and wind power matters, while Tomas Fjordevik specialises in contaminated water and land concerns, and has been involved in cases regarding the aviation, chemical and waste management industries.

Practice head(s):

Pia Pehrson


Other key lawyers:

Caterina Carreman; Tomas Fjordevik


Testimonials

‘Deep knowledge of their field. Experts in finding solutions.’

‘Great understanding of the client. Highly skilled.’

‘Smooth teamwork and nice team.’

‘Highly impressed with both the legal skills and engagement from the team, especially Tomas Fjordevik. I feel completely safe with his work, and it is such a relief to have him on the project.’

Key clients

Ellevio (former Fortum Distribution)


Nordion Energi (Swedegas/Weum)


Södra Skogsägarna


Skellefteå Kraft


Stena-koncernen


Björkdalsgruvan


Mandalay Resources


Dragon Mining


Metso Outotec


Tertiary Minerals


Equinor (Statoil)


OX2


Falbygdens Energi


RWE


LKAB


Eolus Vind AB


Work highlights


  • Advising Dragon Mining (Sweden) AB on its permit applications under the environmental code for an underground gold mine in Lycksele/Storuman and a new gold mine in Fäboliden, Lycksele in northern Sweden.
  • Representing LKAB in a permit process under Chapters 9 and 11 of the Environmental Code in a case regarding a circular industrial park which includes several chemical industries (IED and Seveso plants) and several water industry operations.
  • Advising Eolus on a new investment for an offshore wind power project with the construction of up to 70 wind turbines in Hanöbukten within the municipalities of Sölvesborg and Karlshamn.

Advokatfirman Vinge

Advokatfirman Vinge has expertise in advising on environmental matters concerning permits, transactions and disputes. Work highlights range from helping with wind farm acquisitions and greenfield developments, to representing clients before the Land and Environment Court. One of the sector’s leading names Thomas Sjöberg continues to be highly active in private and public transactions and is particularly experienced in issues regarding contaminated land and water, as well as administrative and civil litigation proceedings. The ‘effective’ Johan Cederblad heads up the team alongside Ingela Malmorg and Robert Deli and uses his extensive experience in handling energy matters to advise clients on environmental concerns regarding both traditional and renewable energy infrastructure mandates.

Practice head(s):

Johan Cederblad; Ingela Malmborg; Robert Deli


Other key lawyers:

Thomas Sjöberg


Testimonials

‘Vinge effectively addresses our needs for environmental issues.’

‘The individuals I have been in contact with are always professional and skilled.’

‘Flexible and accommodating approach. Easy to work with.’

‘High professionalism, responsive. The firm has experts in a broad variety of fields which brings comfort to me as a client. The requested legal product is always delivered with high standards.’

‘My experience from working with Johan Cederblad is that he is very knowledgeable and cares about his clients and our businesses. As a client, I feel prioritised and appreciate his balance between being very professional and at the same time down-to-earth in his communication.’

‘Great experience and always find answers to tricky questions within environmental area. A great partner.’

‘Always open and clear about problems and solutions, great experience finding innovative solutions.’

‘Thomas Sjöberg – very experienced, very knowledgeable. Johan Cederblad – effective, good listener, and understands our situation very well. Open minded. Both keep well updated about court cases.’

Key clients

Vasa Vind AB


Njordr AB


Välinge Innovation Sweden AB


Kopparfors Skogar AB


Njordr Offshore AB


IPCO Sweden AB


Öresundskraft Kraft och Värme AB


Atria


Norra Åsbo Renhållnings AB


Work highlights


  • Advised Ingka Investments, the investment arm of Ingka Group, on its purchase of a 49% share in three offshore wind development projects in Sweden.
  • Representing NÅRAB AB in a case in the Supreme Land and Environmental Court regarding the classification of certain waste handling operations in relation to the Industrial Emissions Directive.
  • Advising the wind power developer Njordr AB on a permit application for a greenfield wind farm development in the south of Sweden.

Hellström Law

Hellström Law is active in environmental matters regarding renewable energy projects, domestic and EU legislation and nature restoration mandates. Team co-head Arvid Sundelin has a strong understanding of water law and has been active in hydropower and water operation applications. Fellow co-head Ingela Sundelin focuses on representing contractors, authorities and municipalities in permit procedures and supervision matters according to the Environmental Code. The practice also advises on commercial transactions and due diligence work.

Practice head(s):

Arvid Sundelin; Ingela Sundelin


Testimonials

‘We have hydropower plants and the team have very good qualifications in our environment-area.’

‘The team have a lot of experience, a nice social way to handle customers, and work under difficult conditions.’

‘The team has a deep knowledge of the environmental area not only in relation to legislation and all types of steering documents from authorities, but also regarding the understanding of ecological processes which is profoundly important when helping customers to propose socio-economic and sound investment solutions to improve the ecologic status in their operations to authorities and in court processes.’

‘I have worked with Ingela Sundelin for several years. We continue with Ingela since she knows us, and she has a good track record. We are very satisfied with her.’

‘Ingela Sundelin knows our business and our needs. She delivers on time and she’s quick at responding to e-mails and phone calls. We have won several trials thanks to her.’

‘Hellström Advokatbyrå has supported us in different matters regarding environmental questions and we have always been treated with commitment by knowledgeable individuals. Because of that, we felt that we always can have the support we need in environmental legal matters.’

‘Arvid Sundelin showed a deep knowledge in the areas required. He was able to understand the situation our company was in and where the most difficult areas were.’

‘The people working there are very service minded, easy to access and always willing to help. The people are very skilled and can easily adapt the knowledge to a certain situation, helping out in a specific case.’

Advokatfirman Lindahl KB

The environmental team at Advokatfirman Lindahl KB works with both private and public bodies in the energy and infrastructure sectors. The group regularly advises contractors, developers and operators on permit and licensing matters, due diligence, risk assessments and transactions. Recent work highlights the group’s breadth of environmental coverage, with cases concerning chemicals, waste, water, minerals and renewable energy issues and inner-city developments. Practice head Mikael Wärnsby has experience representing clients at all levels of the Swedish Court system and before the European Court of Justice; he is also adept at advising on civil law litigation and environmental M&A matters. Johanna Lindqvist has expertise in drafting and negotiating agreements for land use and compensation connected to infrastructure projects, water permits, quarries and wind farms. Sara Andersson has been highly active in the practice and has a strong knowledge of environmental law and court proceedings.

Practice head(s):

Sara Andersson


Testimonials

‘Good service and competent’. 

‘Reliable, competent and provide a good service.’

‘They can explain legal issues clearly and effectively’. 

‘Mikael Wärnsby is professional, knowledgeable and clear with his advice’. 

‘We worked with Lindahl on a big environmental permit application for climate adaptation measures. The Lindahl team had deep knowledge on environmental law and an effective and winning way to tackle our issue.’ 

‘The firm have a high work capacity and willingness to do what’s required during a permit process. During the final court trial, they showed determination while always keeping a professional and polite tone towards the court and the other parties in the matter.’

Key clients

E.ON Energidistribution AB


Trelleborgs Hamn AB


Municipality of Vellinge


Skandia Fastigheter Storstockholm AB


Coeli Real Estate AB


Eolus Vind AB


European Energy A/S


Sydkraft Hydropower AB


PreZero Recycling AB


Växjö Energi AB


Municipality of Västervik


Nybro Energi AB


Borgholm Energi AB


Ystads kommun


Work highlights


  • Advised Vellinge kommun in Svea hovrätt on the licensing of one of Sweden’s largest projects concerning protection from rising sea levels.
  • Advising European Energy A/S on the authorisation of one of Sweden’s largest solar power plants.
  • Advised Eolus Vind AB on the licensing of several wind power projects.

Magnusson Sweden

The ‘diverse and strong’ environmental team at Magnusson Sweden acts for a range of clients including domestic and international government bodies, municipalities, energy companies, and retail and infrastructure organisations. The team covers matters including permit applications for factories and plants, risk assessments, land, soil and water contamination issues, and remedial claims. Mårten Tagaeus is a leading name in the sector and has advised on issues relating to port and waterway expansions, wastewater treatment and landfill developments. Paulina Tengroth has expertise in permit applications under the Swedish Environmental Code, while Sascha Andersson specialises in species and shore protection matters.


Practice head(s):

Mårten Tagaeus


Other key lawyers:

Paulina Tengroth; Sascha Andersson


Testimonials

‘The team is very effective and understands the challenges and the goals to work to.’

‘Mårten Tagaeus is always helpful, on time and sharp. He gives good strategic advice and finds the legal way to make our strategies happen.’

‘Knowledgeable, sharp minded, analytical.’

‘I have very good experience of working with Magnusson. They have high integrity, are easy to work with, and very knowledgeable.’

‘Modern team in a modern environment. They have an excellent, diverse and strong team.’

Key clients

Wallhamn AB


Municipality of Jönköping


RGS Nordic AB


Gryaab AB


Naturvårdsverket (Swedish Environmental Protection Agency)


Varbergs Bostadsaktiebolag


Trosa Vagnhärads Mark AB


AB Gröna Lunds Tivoli


Work highlights


  • Assisting Trosa Vagnhärads Mark AB with receiving the necessary environmental permits for a major landfill development concerning inert waste.
  • Advising Wallhamn AB on a major project regarding the refurbishment of quays at the commercial port of Vallhamn, on the Island of Tjörn.
  • Representing the Municipality of Jönköping in a permit application for the municipality’s wastewater treatment plant named “Simsholmens avloppsreningsverk”.

MAQS Advokatbyrå

MAQS Advokatbyrå's environmental practice utilises strong connections within the firm to provide comprehensive advice on matters, fielding a large team with expertise in environment, energy and construction issues. In particular, the environment group has been active in land contamination, wind power and waste collection matters. Team head Magdalena Persson has a strong real estate and M&A background, while Jannie Strømberg focuses on permit proceedings and contaminated land issues and also has a strong understanding of forestry matters, heading up the firm’s growing forestry practice. Anna Almroth advises on environmental legislation regarding renewable energy projects.

Practice head(s):

Magdalena Persson


Other key lawyers:

Jannie Strømberg; Anna Almroth


Testimonials

‘I would say that the commitment and devotion that the team put into the cases is unique. The team’s input was professional, efficient, extremely helpful and easy going.’

‘All of the team members put in the time, effort and advice required to solve our issue.’

‘MAQS law firm consists of highly competent lawyers who have many years of experience in environmental matters. We have used their services for many years and feel safe with it. The competence is available in several offices and with several of their employees.’

‘The lawyers we work with inspire a great deal of trust and a broad competence in several areas of activity. They are easy to work with and very easy to communicate with. They use language and concepts that are easy to understand.’

‘Capable lawyers with a good support organisation.’

‘MAQs really understands the problem so we have a stable basis to work from.’

Key clients

Ale kommun


Räddningstjänsten i Storgöteborg


Sunds Mekaniska AB (Pichano group of companies)


Sundfrakt AB/Delta Terminal AB/Åkerigrus I Sundsvall AB (Sundfrakt group of companies)


Östersund Municipality


SIA Glass AB


Vencom Residential AB


Work highlights


  • Assisting Östersund Municipality with the process of applying for an environmental permit to build and run a biogas plant together with seven other municipalities in Jämtland County.
  • Assisting Östersund Municipality with a matter regarding the collection of household waste.
  • Assisted Vencom with the purchase of shares in a company that will establish a wind power plant in Sweden.

Wistrand

Wistrand‘s environment team is active in the manufacturing, minerals, waste and energy sectors, and recent highlights include advising clients on permits relating to wind power developments, recycling plants and liquefied natural gas projects. Rudolf Laurin heads up the team and specialises in the manufacturing industry and quarry related issues, while Emilie Steen focuses on matters concerning contaminated land, waste facilities, and planning and building permits, and Emilia Ohlin has a strong understanding of environment and energy law.

Practice head(s):

Rudolf Laurin


Other key lawyers:

Emilie Steen; Emilia Ohlin


Testimonials

‘They are very knowledgeable and responsive.’

‘Very practical approach, with direct communication. The team adopts an entrepreneurial view which involves always looking for solutions.’ 

‘Great support and knowledge led by Rudolf Laurin.’

Key clients

Scandinavian Enviro Systems AB


Göteborg Energi AB


Deep Wind Offshore DWO Sverige AB


Spawer Kraft AB


Skogsägarna Mellanskog Ekonomisk förening


Hallösa Vindkraft AB


Gasum Clean Gas Solutions AB


Panier Svenska AB and Svanskog AB


Work highlights


  • Advising the Swedish company Scandinavian Enviro Systems AB (SES AB) as well as its subsidiary Tyre Recycling in Sweden AB (TRISAB) on obtaining permits and on other regulatory matters regarding recycling plants.
  • Advising Göteborg Energi AB, a Swedish energy company that supplies electricity and district heating to the Swedish market, in relation to the development of a reconstruction of the Rya CHP plant in Gothenburg.
  • Advising Deep Wind Offshore DWO Sverige AB, a subsidiary to the Norwegian company Deep Wind Offshore AS, in relation to the construction of two new ocean-based wind farms intended to be located in the Swedish exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the Baltic Sea.