Solsken över jordbruksland – Att odla grön energi utan att tappa jordens guld

Sammanfattning: This research aims to investigate the differences in decision-making between the County Administrative Board of Skåne and the County Administrative Board of Halland regarding the establishment of solar parks on arable agricultural land. The study also includes an analysis of how legal precedents may have influenced the decision-making process by examining cases decided before and after the rulings of the Land and Environment Court of Appeal in two specific cases concerning solar parks on agricultural land in Skåne. Through triangulation of methods such as mapping and case studies, the percentage of approved applications in both counties is evaluated and compared. Subsequently, a detailed analysis of the rationales behind eight selected decisions is conducted. The results indicate that the County Administrative Board of Halland generally approves more applications compared to the County Administrative Board of Skåne. Furthermore, differences in the interpretation of Chapter 3, § 4 Miljöbalken are revealed, where the County Administrative Board of Halland does not believe the section prevents the establishment of solar parks on agricultural land since it does not need to be applied in such cases. In contrast, the County Administrative Board of Skåne consistently examines the section in all cases and justifies rejections primarily by referring to the section and citing insufficient scope in the site investigation. This research provides the reader with an in-depth understanding of the current situation regarding the establishment of solar parks in Skåne and Halland, as well as the complex balancing act that the County Administrative Boards must undertake to achieve goals of fossil-free electricity production while ensuring food production. The conflict between the need for renewable energy and food supply, coupled with the preservation of natural and cultural heritage, is reflected in the decision-making process where the County Administrative Boards face the challenge of responsibly balancing these two interests.