Metsähallitus has launched an assessment of the economic and business impacts of the Ebba offshore wind project in the municipalities of Pyhäjoki, Raahe and Kalajoki. A kick-off webinar was held on 13 August, and the final report is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. The assessment supports the ongoing Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) procedure and is being carried out by Sitowise Ltd.
The assessment will examine, among other things, impacts on municipal economies, opportunities for local businesses during different phases of the project, and employment effects during construction, operation and decommissioning. It will also explore how offshore wind development can be aligned with other industries, such as tourism.
“The objective of the economic and business impact assessment is to provide reliable information on the opportunities that the offshore wind farm project could create for municipalities, businesses and residents in the region. We want to hear the views of regional entities as broadly as possible,” says Sami Piippo, Project Director of the Ebba offshore wind farm project.
Working Together Towards a Comprehensive Impact Assessment
The assessment will be conducted as an interactive process, giving regional stakeholders the opportunity to participate throughout different stages of the work. Activities will include kick-off and closing webinars, a business survey, stakeholder interviews and workshops .
“This is a significant project for the region. A dedicated assessment of the regional economic impacts of offshore wind is highly interesting from the perspective of municipal finances and will provide valuable information to support public decision-making,” says Matti Soronen, Mayor of Pyhäjoki.
The results of the assessment can be utilized in the development of regional business policy, land use planning and infrastructure development. The work will also provide information on how tourism and offshore wind can coexist and what potential synergies they may create for regional development.
“Northern Ostrobothnia has excellent opportunities to benefit from the investment potential brought by the green transition. Therefore, it is important at this stage to assess what impacts the offshore wind project may have on regional business activities, employment and regional vitality, and how these opportunities can be developed through collaboration,” says Pasi Pitkänen, Director of Economic Development for the City of Raahe.
Offshore wind supports the green transition and regional growth
Electricity consumption in Finland is expected to increase significantly during the coming decades as a result of industrial electrification, the hydrogen economy and other investments linked to the green transition. Offshore wind offers an opportunity to meet this growing demand with renewable domestic energy while also strengthening regional vitality and creating new investment opportunities.
Offshore wind projects can enable the establishment of new industries, low-carbon production and energy-intensive investments in the region. Realizing these benefits, however, requires long-term cooperation between municipalities, businesses, authorities and other stakeholders.
“The assessment work now underway supports the development of a shared understanding of how a growing offshore wind sector, existing regional industries and future energy needs can be aligned in the most sustainable way possible,” says Sami Piippo.
The assessment will also examine opportunities for the parallel development of offshore wind and tourism. Clean energy production, solutions supporting the green transition and responsible regional development can strengthen the attractiveness of the region and support the sustainable growth of the tourism sector in the long term.
A recording of the kick-off webinar will be published on the Ebba offshore wind farm project website. The online survey will remain open until the end of August 2026.