Wind energy projects
In 2010, Pohjolan Voima conducted studies on several onshore and offshore wind power plant projects. With its undersea foundation project, Pohjolan Voima is making a contribution to the planning of large-scale offshore wind farms.
Undersea foundation project advances the planning of offshore wind farms
How a foundation of a pilot wind power plant located at the bottom of the sea and the plant tower on top of it can cope with wintry weather conditions has been studied in an undersea foundation project conducted near the Ajos wind farm in Kemi. Measuring data gathered from the undersea steel foundation – the first in Finland – will advance the planning of large-scale offshore wind farms.
The foundation and the tower were built in 2009. Measurements on the foundation technique’s ability to withstand the stress caused by wind, ice and the swell of the sea have been conducted all year round. According to the measurement data from the winter season of 2009/2010, the steel foundation constructed in the fast ice zone tolerated the winter stress very well. In order to collect more comparison data, the measurements will continue over another winter season.
The co-operation partners of the undersea foundation project include several other organisations planning to construct more wind power. The costs of the project are estimated to be € 2.5 million. The Ministry of Employment and the Economy has granted investment aid for the project.
The aim is to develop the undersea foundation and the tower into an operating wind power plant unit in 2011. The pilot wind power plant would become the 11th wind power plant unit at the Kemi wind farm.
EIA for Kristiinankaupunki offshore wind farm completed
The environmental impact assessment for the offshore wind farm planned off the coast of Kristiinankaupunki was completed in February 2010. The coordinating authority issued its statement on the EIA report in May.
The total production capacity of the offshore wind farm in Kristiinankaupunki would be between 240 and 400 MW. There would be around 70 plant units to be built. The project also includes a number of onshore wind power plant units.
EIA for Oulu–Haukipudas offshore wind farm completed
The environmental impact assessment for the large-scale offshore wind farm planned off Oulu and Haukipudas was completed in March 2010. The coordinating authority issued its statement in July.
According to plans, the number of plant units in the Oulu–Haukipudas wind farm would be approximately 140, with a combined power of 500–800 MW. Pohjolan Voima is studying the possibility of constructing the offshore wind farm together with Oulun Energia.
Environmental impact assessed for the extension of Kemi offshore wind farm
According to plans, the Ajos offshore wind farm in Kemi will be extended and the production capacity increased to about 200 MW. There would be about 60 new power plant units constructed in the sea area south of Ajos. The project also includes a number of onshore wind power plant units to be built near the existing Ajos wind farm. The environmental impact assessment report on the project was completed and submitted to the coordinating authority in October 2010.
Studies conducted on increasing onshore wind power
Extensions to the existing wind farms are planned in Kristiinankaupunki, Kokkola and Kemi. In addition, there are studies underway concerning the possibility to build new wind farms onshore and inland on locations where wind conditions are favourable. Planned new sites include Raahe, Lapua and Merikarvia.
