The Land and Environment Court has ruled that two power plants in the Lillpite River must be demolished, according to a report from Piteå-Tidningen. The court decision, issued on March 5, 2026, requires the municipally owned Lillpite Kraft AB to remove the two hydroelectric facilities within five years after the judgment becomes legally binding.
Court official Jon Karlsson stated in a press release that protective measures have been prescribed to prevent landslides and collapses during the demolition process. The decision marks a significant development in what has been described as a lengthy process that began in autumn 2017 when Piteå's municipal council decided the company should initiate demolition proceedings by applying to the Land and Environment Court.
protective measures have been prescribed to prevent landslides and collapses during the demolition process
The process faced delays in December 2022 when the Swedish government decided to halt the environmental review of the hydropower facilities. The court's ruling now sets a clear timeline for the removal of the structures from the Lillpite River, though the demolition cannot begin until the judgment gains legal force.