Örebro’s Tamarinden neighbourhood reshapes energy laws in Sweden
Örebro leads by example as Sweden Supreme Administrative Court confirms tax-free energy sharing for its innovative neighbourhood.
Fossil-free cities
Community energyAbout
In a world where the energy transition is crucial, Örebro in Sweden is leading the way with Tamarinden – an innovative neighbourhood.
Designed to be nearly self-sufficient in energy, Tamarinden is transforming how energy is generated, shared, and used. The neighbourhood’s advanced installations not only generate local electricity but are also integrated into a wider system of building-to-building energy sharing, energy storage and grid support services, enabling its 600 households to be largely self-sufficient in energy.
The project, which began in 2016, is also a result of close collaboration between Örebro Municipality, ÖrebroBostäder AB and partners including Serneke, Peab Bostäder, Tornet and the local energy distributor E.ON.
Tamarinden’s energy sharing should not be taxed
After years of uncertainity, the Supreme Administrative Court (Högsta Förvaltningsdomstolen, HFD) recently confirmed that the electricity to be shared in the Tamariden neighbourhood shall not be taxed. This verdict supports the Tax Court’s preliminary decision, which stated that Tamarinden’s solar installations on the roofs of the properties are separate units, each under 500 kW in power, thereby exempting them from energy tax.
This announcement marks a big step in the development of Örebro’s new district, providing a green light for energy sharing within and between properties. An advancement that also reshapes the landscape of energy-smart construction throughout Sweden.
This is very gratifying news that gives us the opportunity to build sustainable cities. The idea behind the Tamarinden proves to be so viable that we can contribute to better conditions for Sweden to accelerate the climate transition through locally produced and shared energy
Kemal Hoso (S), municipal councilor with responsibility for community development issues, Örebro Municipality.
Legislative change that simplifies energy-smart construction
Throughout the project, Tamariden worked to influence two key laws. The first was the Electricity Act, which restricted electricity sharing to grid companies, even between buildings on the same property. Advocacy efforts led to a new regulation, enabling more stakeholders to develop sustainable neighbourhoods and reduce environmental impact. The second legal obstacle was the energy tax law, where HFD’s announcement has demonstrated that it is possible to make changes even in the interpretation of that law.
This is an extremely important judgment for Tamarinden as well as for many other energy projects around Sweden. It feels very good that we can step by step contribute to the laws developing in step with technological development, when we really need these big steps in the climate and energy transition. It also gives a thumbs up to others who look at the laws and regulations that in their current form prevent the changeover that must take place
Jan Johansson, project manager energy and sustainable construction, Örebro Municipality.
