Start / In the line of fire

In the line of fire

The importance of electricity for social development long overshadowed the disadvantages of development of hydroelectric power. But times changed, and Vattenfall's activities came under fire. The company has been the target due to the impact on the environment, protests against nuclear power expansion and the climate impact.

Articles

Raging protests against river exploitation

The agreement between Vattenfall and the conservation movement in 1961– Freden i Sarek (Peace in Sarek) – was not the end to conflict over river development. It had only just begun. Over ten years, the tone against Vattenfall sharpened radically, and the issue was finally given a political solution.

Colonial blindness

The development of hydropower was not a golden age for everyone. Many people had to pay a high price during the 1940s and 1950s, when the Norrland power was exploited, including the Sami.

Opposition to nuclear power

The nuclear power issue has been marked by political differences, both between and within parties. It has also seen many decisions and commitments that were later overturned. This involved a great deal of uncertainty and insecurity for power producers like Vattenfall.

The climate issue

The greenhouse effect was noted by Vattenfall early on. But for 20 years it was partly overshadowed by other environmental problems that were regarded as more pressing – but which have now been solved. The climate change issue became topical again in the 1990s, and still is high on Vattenfall's agenda.

Environmental protection in the early days

In connection with the construction of the Hojum power station in the 1940s, Vattenfall and the national antiquarian entered into a unique and long-standing partnership, which included saving the unique petroglyphs at Nämforsen.

Killing criticism in the 1920s

The beginning of the 1920s was a turbulent time for Vattenfall. It was accused of wasting taxpayers' money, of conning farmers and paying too much for water rights. In the media, Vattenfall was referred to as 'the rotten egg among communications utilities'.