Environmental impacts of Kristiinankaupunki wind farm now assessed

The environmental impact assessment report for the offshore wind farm planned off Kristiinankaupunki has now been completed. Pohjolan Voima’s wind power subsidiary PVO-Innopower Oy has been studying the possibility of constructing a large-scale offshore wind farm in the sea area off Kristiinankaupunki, and partially that off Närpiö. The potential capacity of the offshore wind farm is up to 400 MW, which is possible with about 70 wind power plant units.

According to the environmental impact assessment, the most significant impacts of the project would relate to employment, a change in the landscape and a decrease in the emissions caused by electricity production. The offshore wind farm would decrease carbon dioxide emissions by up to 0.6 million tonnes annually; in addition to which, the investment, with a maximum value of one billion euros, would have an impact on industries and employment in the area. The wind farm would change the landscape in the sea area and in the proximity of Kristiina power plant.

Planning for the project has been continued during the environmental impact assessment process. As a result of the assessment, a new plan was drawn up with the aim of reducing the project’s negative impacts on the landscape and birds as well as on the Natura site in the area. The new plan will minimise the impact on the Natura site in such a manner that, according to the assessment, no significant adverse effects will take place. The risk of bird collisions is estimated to be low.                     

The sea off the coast is a suitable location for an offshore wind farm. The wind conditions in the area are good, and the construction of an offshore wind farm would be supported by local infrastructure: the wind power plant units could be directly connected to the substation of Pohjolan Voima’s nearby Kristiina power plant. When the wind farm is being constructed and later maintained, it would be possible to use the Karhusaari harbour, which can also be extended, if necessary.                      

The environmental impact assessment for the offshore wind farm has been submitted to the coordinating authority, the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment for South Ostrobothnia. The report and its annexes have been publicly displayed for the submission of statements and opinions.                      

The Kristiinankaupunki offshore wind farm is part of Pohjolan Voima’s plans to construct more low-emission and completely emission-free power plant capacity. Pohjolan Voima is the largest wind power builder in Finland.
 

For more information, please contact:
Lauri Luopajärvi, Executive Vice President at Pohjolan Voima Oy, Managing Director at PVO-Innopower Oy, tel. +358 50 386 2610
Matti Kautto, Head of Unit, Ramboll Oy, tel. +358 400 493 709