Work is now fully underway in Korsnäs, off the west coast of Finland, where what is being described as one of the most significant industrial projects in the country is in progress. To achieve carbon neutrality by 2035 and to enhance Finland’s energy self-sufficiency, more electricity from renewable sources is needed.
The Korsnäs wind park will be located near Vaasa in Finland. It will have a 1.3-2.5 GW capacity and potentially an annual electricity production of 5–7 TWh.
Construction is set to begin in the 2030s, but many steps remain before then. As planning is crucial, the project is currently in its most important phase. “Geophysical surveys are being conducted to study the seabed, which provides critical input to the environmental impact assessment such as archaeological screening, highlighting of ground risks and data subsequent preliminary foundation design. This is a pre-requisite for further development of the offshore wind farm,” commented Klaus Nissen, Project director at Vattenfall. Additionally bird and bat studies are being conducted along with the effects of ice conditions.
Action to mitigate environmental impacts
An Environmental Impact Assessment report to evaluate potential environmental consequences is now being prepared together with Metsähallitus experts. Metsähallitus manages land and water areas of the Finnish state and selected Vattenfall in 2022 to build the Korsnäs wind farm. The calculations will take into account the entire life cycle of the project.
Before the construction can begin, a multi-stage permitting process must be completed. This large project will impact nature and the environment on both land and sea, as well as national defence, border management, air traffic, shipping, and local industries like fishing. Vattenfall is collaborating with various parties and authorities to mitigate the effects and to secure that all legally required permits and clearances are met.
In contingent matters, Vattenfall signed a letter of intent with the Port of Kaskinen to explore the possibilities of using the port for logistics during the construction phase, and later for wind turbine maintenance.
