25.02.2009
Ajos wind farm inaugurated − new projects being planned
Minister of Economic Affairs Mauri Pekkarinen inaugurated Pohjolan Voima's Ajos wind farm in Kemi on 25 February 2009. At the event Pohjolan Voima also announced forthcoming projects to explore the expansion of the Ajos offshore wind farm to 150 to 200 MW and the expansion of current onshore wind farms by around 50 MW. Taking existing plans into account, the capacity of wind power projects currently under preparation will total 1,000 to 1,500 MW.
Ajos is the largest wind farm in Finland at 30 MW and comprises ten 3 MW wind turbines. The investment totals EUR 50 million.
Although highly challenging in terms of construction technology, the project was completed slightly ahead of schedule, with the turbines operational at the beginning of 2009.
"The Ajos wind farm project has provided us with valuable experience in wind farm design and construction in challenging Finnish sea and ice conditions. Its completion will considerably increase Pohjolan Voima's wind power production," says Lauri Luopajärvi, Senior Vice President, Pohjolan Voima.
Increased construction of wind power capacity is part of Pohjolan Voima's extensive investment in emission-free and low-emission capacity.
In addition to offshore wind farms at Oulu-Haukiputaa and Kristiinankaupunki, which are undergoing Environmental Impact Assessments, plans are underway for the expansion of onshore wind farms, with the potential outcome being the construction of 15 to 20 new wind power stations at existing wind farms. Also under investigation is a possible expansion of the Ajos offshore wind farm to 150 to 200 MW.
The new Ajos wind farm is owned by Pohjolan Voima's wind power specialist subsidiary, PVO-Innopower Oy. The Ministry of Trade and Industry − from 2008 the Ministry of Employment and the Economy − has granted an "demonstration subsidy" for Phase 1 and an investment subsidy for Phase 2 of the construction of the Ajos wind farm.
Ajos is the largest wind farm in Finland at 30 MW and comprises ten 3 MW wind turbines. The investment totals EUR 50 million.
Although highly challenging in terms of construction technology, the project was completed slightly ahead of schedule, with the turbines operational at the beginning of 2009.
"The Ajos wind farm project has provided us with valuable experience in wind farm design and construction in challenging Finnish sea and ice conditions. Its completion will considerably increase Pohjolan Voima's wind power production," says Lauri Luopajärvi, Senior Vice President, Pohjolan Voima.
Increased construction of wind power capacity is part of Pohjolan Voima's extensive investment in emission-free and low-emission capacity.
In addition to offshore wind farms at Oulu-Haukiputaa and Kristiinankaupunki, which are undergoing Environmental Impact Assessments, plans are underway for the expansion of onshore wind farms, with the potential outcome being the construction of 15 to 20 new wind power stations at existing wind farms. Also under investigation is a possible expansion of the Ajos offshore wind farm to 150 to 200 MW.
The new Ajos wind farm is owned by Pohjolan Voima's wind power specialist subsidiary, PVO-Innopower Oy. The Ministry of Trade and Industry − from 2008 the Ministry of Employment and the Economy − has granted an "demonstration subsidy" for Phase 1 and an investment subsidy for Phase 2 of the construction of the Ajos wind farm.