Finnish enterprise submits planning application for commercial-scale offshore windfarm

Metsähallitus has extensive experience of wind power project development and has been involved in the development of more than 10% of the wind power capacity constructed in Finland. State-owned land it manages accommodates a number of onshore windfarms. It is seeking a commercial partner for the offshore wind project who would develop the project in cooperation with Metsähallitus and, potentially, also build the windfarm.

The windfarm would be built in an area of public water area managed by Metsähallitus, about 15 km off the coast of the municipality. According to the preliminary plan, the size of the project area will be approximately 180 km². It would have “up to dozens of wind turbines” with a capacity of 12-20 MW.

The final area boundary will be set as planning progresses and will be affected by considerations such as conservation areas, the seabed, water depth and discussions with different stakeholders. Shipping routes in the area and the needs of the Finnish Defence Forces have also been taken into account.

Metsähallitus wind power manager Otto Swanljung said, “Our goal is to significantly increase the wind power capacity installed in state-owned areas.

“The Korsnäs project is Metsähallitus’ first offshore windfarm project. There is little offshore wind capacity in Finland. We want to be involved in making it possible to develop offshore wind and create sustainable businesses.

“The regional economic impact of offshore wind would be significant. If the Korsnäs offshore windfarm is built, it will bring an enormous boost to the economy of the municipality and the entire Vaasa region.”

Korsnäs mayor Christina Båssar said, “The municipality has a positive attitude towards the proposal. Implementation of an offshore windfarm would be a new opportunity for the municipality. It would bring jobs and subcontracting opportunities for construction and increase tax revenue.

“An offshore windfarm could fill the hole left by the closure of the Outokumpu mine in the 1970s. We have tried everything to create new jobs in Korsnäs but it is not easy in rural areas. The Vaasa region is also preparing a regional carbon neutrality programme that Korsnäs is involved in.”