The energy crisis of 2022 highlighted the important role wind power plays in increasing Finland’s energy self-sufficiency. At the same time, EPV’s investment in wind power continued to be strong, with record-breaking production, the completion of its sixth wind farm and resolute advancement of new projects.
EPV Windpower in a nutshell
EPV Windpower aims to increase the share of renewable energy production in the EPV Group. EPV currently has wind farms in Tornio, Vaasa, Ilmajoki, Kristinestad, Teuva and Närpes.
Frans Liski, Vice President of EPV Windpower: "In December, the highest measured average hourly output of EPV's wind power generation was as high as 416 MW, an all-time record."
Wind power as a cornerstone of energy self-sufficiency
In 2022, the changed global situation further emphasised the important role wind power plays as part of Finland’s energy mix. When electricity imports from Russia stopped after the outbreak of the war, the significance of energy self-sufficiency, and therefore wind power, increased in Finland.
EPV is one of the largest producers of wind power in the country. Wind power is an important part of EPV’s New Electricity Revolution Strategy and zero-emission energy portfolio. In 2022, the company had five wind farms in operation in Tornio, Vaasa, Ilmajoki, Kristinestad and Teuva.
“The combined capacity of these wind parks is up to roughly 500 megawatts. In December, the highest measured average hourly output of wind power generation was as high as 416 MW, an all-time record,” says Frans Liski, Vice President of EPV Windpower business area.
Närpes wind farm completed
The last turbine of the Norrskogen wind farm in Närpes was erected in the autumn of 2022. It is EPV’s sixth wind park.
“The wind farm was put into commercial operation in February 2023. Its 17 wind turbines generate roughly 300,000 megawatt hours of electricity per year.”
The turbines in the Norrskogen wind farm are EPV’s largest to date, with rotors up to 162 metres in diameter.
Planning of new wind farms continued
EPV is currently planning three new wind farms in Laihia, Simo and Kuusamo. Preliminary work on the Rajavuori wind park in Laihia, which will include up to 18 turbines, started in early 2022.
“We have already started building the park’s infrastructure. The actual investment decision on the construction of the wind turbines and the choice of equipment will be made at a later stage,” says Liski.
The planned Simo wind farm, with up to 26 turbines, will be technically and economically well located and its permits will allow the use of new wind power technology. Preparatory work for the farm has begun, including railway work. According to Liski, the aim is to enable an investment decision in the next few years.
EPV is planning a wind farm of up to 30 turbines in Nuunajärvi, Kuusamo. The project started in 2014, and the replanning of land use was launched in 2022. Delays in the project have been caused by issues such as reconciling reindeer husbandry and wind power. To promote the harmonisation of wind power and reindeer husbandry, EPV is involved in the Porotuuli project launched in 2022 by the Natural Resources Institute Finland (LUKE).
“One of the aims of the project is to study how wind turbines can be built in reindeer husbandry areas in a socially and culturally sustainable way, and how to minimise harm to reindeer husbandry,” Liski explains.
Alterations of town plans for offshore wind power
EPV has a dedicated technology team for offshore wind power to promote its projects. Currently, the company has two valid and legally binding component master plans for offshore wind power in the Maanahkiainen area in the waters of Raahe and Pyhäjoki and off Röyttä Island in Tornio. The process of altering both these plans was started in 2022.
“The aim is to update planning regulations to make them compatible with rapidly developing offshore wind technology. This will allow us to use increasingly efficient and reliable turbines in future construction phases.”
At present, offshore wind power is still considerably more expensive than its onshore equivalent. However, according to Liski, rapid technological advances and society’s growing need for domestic energy are improving the future prospects of offshore wind power, as it has the greatest relative production potential. Construction in Europe is already beginning to focus more on maritime projects.
Wind power development 2011–2022 (size of plants)
EPV’s wind power production 2018–2022
EPV Windpower in a nutshell
EPV Windpower aims to increase the share of renewable energy production in the EPV Group. EPV currently has wind farms in Tornio, Vaasa, Ilmajoki, Kristinestad, Teuva and Närpes.
Frans Liski, Vice President of EPV Windpower: "In December, the highest measured average hourly output of EPV's wind power generation was as high as 416 MW, an all-time record."
The EPV Windpower business area includes
EPV Windpower Ltd
EPV's share 100%
Develops, implements and runs wind power projects, especially in Ostrobothnia.
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