Upon a proposal by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the Finnish Government today approved the lease of state-owned sea areas off the coast of Korsnäs and for the use of offshore wind farm planned for Tahkoluoto, Pori. The permits for rental of offshore wind areas received today are the first ones in the Finnish offshore development. As the steward of state-owned land and water areas, Metsähallitus is the lessor.
The Government deliberations are based on the Act on the Right to Transfer State Real Estate Assets and on the Act on Metsähallitus. In the discussion, the possibility of leasing the areas was evaluated from several points of view with a conclusion that the state-owned sea areas in question were suitable for offshore wind power production.
Suomen Hyötytuuli Oy is planning an expansion of the offshore wind farm at Tahkoluoto in Pori. In the second site approved for rental by the Government, planned for Korsnäs, Metsähallitus acts as the project developer and is currently looking for a partner to construct and operate the wind power plants. The partner to be chosen will be responsible for technical planning of the project, for instance, during the project development period.
Both projects are located in Finnish territorial waters, where local municipalities – Korsnäs and Pori – will receive property taxes from the project after they have been completed.
“Interest in offshore wind power is growing rapidly throughout the world, as offshore wind farms allow for significantly larger, emission-free energy production volumes and considerably larger production units than onshore wind farms. The relatively shallow western waters of Finland are well suited for offshore wind power production,” says Tuomas Hallenberg, Director, Property Development at Metsähallitus.
“The offshore wind farm projects that have now been granted an area lease permit will bring Finland much closer to achieving its climate targets. That is why fully utilising the potential of offshore wind power is one of Metsähallitus’ priorities and we will continue to present additional areas for offshore wind development”.
Wind power in a significant role in Metsähallitus’ strategy
Increased wind power production is included in Metsähallitus’ strategy to promote Finland’s goal of being carbon neutral by 2035. Metsähallitus develops wind power projects ready for construction and leases government land for wind power producers.
In sea areas, Metsähallitus develops offshore wind farm areas included in the regional land use plans in cooperation with partners. Metsähallitus also promotes the addition of areas suitable for wind power production to the provincial area use plans. In December 2021, the Government approved the offshore wind power auction model for public water areas, according to which Metsähallitus offers areas for use by wind power companies.
The wind farm areas remain state property. The rental income from the areas forms part of the result that Metsähallitus reports to the state.
Further information:
Tuomas Hallenberg, Director, Property Development, Metsähallitus, tel. +358 40 528 6069, tuomas.hallenberg(at)metsa.fi
Korsnäs Offshore Wind Farm | Metsähallitus (metsa.fi)
Background information:
Renewable energy, investments and well-being through offshore wind power
Finland’s goal is to be carbon neutral in 2035 and carbon negative soon after that. This means not only reducing emissions, but also a significant increase in the production of renewable energy. Offshore wind power offers an opportunity to significantly increase energy production and Finland’s energy self-sufficiency. Offshore wind farms and wind parks are considerably larger than onshore wind farms.