During the Wind Finland Offshore event on May 14th, 2024, the Finnish Minister of Climate and the Environment, Kai Mykkänen, delivered promising news regarding the country’s offshore wind energy initiatives. Mykkänen, an economist known for his dedication to environmental issues, shared insights into the tendering schedule for Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ). According to his announcement, the first tendering process is set to commence by the end of 2025, with decisions expected to be finalized by the summer of 2026.
The Wind Finland Offshore event served as a platform for specialists in the wind power industry to convene in Helsinki. With over 300 attendees the seminar facilitated discussions among industry leaders and experts. Notable speakers, including Mykkänen, presented insights into the latest developments and opportunities in offshore wind energy.
Mykkänen emphasized the significance of offshore wind power in Finland’s journey towards carbon neutrality. With a projected investment potential ranging between 103 to 140 million euros, offshore wind energy holds substantial promise for both sustainable energy production and economic growth.
Source: x/@windfinland
Anni Mikkonen, CEO of the Finnish Wind Power Association, highlighted the growing interest and political acceptance of offshore wind power in Finland. Mikkonen stressed the importance of governmental decisions regarding EEZ, as well as initiatives to lower property taxes and ensure grid access. These factors are crucial for fostering a conducive environment for the development of offshore wind projects.
Addressing the challenges of grid connectivity for offshore wind farms, Laura Ihamäki from FinnGrid provided valuable insights. FinnGrid recently published a preliminary study identifying five potential areas along Finland’s west coast for connecting large offshore wind parks to the mainland transmission grid by the 2030s. These areas include Ulvila, Närpiö, Vaasa, Raahe, and Raisio, with the possibility of additional connections in the Inkoo area.
Source: x/@windfinland
FinnGrid’s study responds to the increasing interest in offshore wind power, with inquiries for connections totaling up to 95 gigawatts. Anticipating a doubling of Finland’s electricity consumption by 2035, driven primarily by industrial growth, the country aims to install approximately 6.5 gigawatts of offshore wind power capacity by the end of the 2030s. This ambitious goal underscores Finland’s commitment to renewable energy and its pivotal role in transitioning towards a sustainable future.
As Finland accelerates its offshore wind energy development, collaborations between government entities, industry stakeholders, and regulatory bodies will be essential in overcoming challenges and realizing the full potential of this abundant renewable resource. With proactive initiatives and strategic investments, Finland is poised to emerge as a leader in offshore wind energy in the coming decades.
Source: Wind Finland & BalticWind.EU
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