Pohjan Voima and Metsähallitus are launching an assessment of whether a data centre and other energy-intensive operations could be located in Merijärvi. A zoning iniative is under consideration by the municipal executive board.
Pohjan Voima and Metsähallitus are jointly developing a project for energy-intensive operations in Merijärvi, close to the boundary with the municipality of Pyhäjoki. The approximately 75-hectare project area is managed by Metsähallitus.
A iniative to zone the area has been submitted to the municipality of Merijärvi, which will decide whether to launch the zoning process. The purpose of the zoning process is to examine the conditions for energy-intensive operations in the area and to reconcile the project with natural values and other land use needs.
“We are now setting out to assess whether the Merijärvi area could be suitable for a data centre and other energy-intensive operations. If this proves possible, I see the project as a significant opportunity for a small municipality. If realised, it would create jobs and bring significant tax revenue to the municipality,” says Tomi Mäkipelto, CEO of Pohjan Voima.
The coastal region of North Ostrobothnia has a large amount of existing and planned electricity generation capacity. The planned project area is located next to an existing substation, and Elenia’s and Fingrid’s transmission lines run through the area. For these reasons, the area has been identified as a potential location for energy-intensive operations and electricity storage.
If realised, the data centre would be an exceptionally large-scale project for Merijärvi, a municipality of just over one thousand residents. It could bring the municipality property tax revenue, jobs, particularly during the construction phase, and new opportunities for local businesses. The impacts will become clearer as zoning and planning progress.
“A key priority in Metsähallitus’ strategy is to promote green growth, particularly renewable energy production, and to enable investments in energy-intensive, electrifying industries,” says Markku Tuominen, Director, Wind Power Business at Metsähallitus.
“State-owned areas are developed with a long-term perspective. When planning green transition investments, zoning must stand the test of time, enable a range of future needs and create added value locally.”
The aim of zoning the area is to enable a range of energy-intensive operations without restricting the area’s use too narrowly. Environmental impacts will be assessed as part of the zoning, and the views of local residents and other stakeholders will be taken into account.
Pohjan Voima and Metsähallitus will present the project to local residents at a public event in August. A dedicated project website will launch at the same time, allowing people to follow the planning process as it progresses.
If zoning proceeds as planned, the zoning plan enabling construction could be submitted for approval at the end of 2027, with investment decisions to follow in 2028.
Contact
Tomi Mäkipelto CEO, Pohjan Voima, +358 50 370 4092, tomi.makipelto@pohjanvoima.fi
Markku Tuominen, Director, Wind Power Business, Metsähallitus, +358 40 723 4895, markku.tuominen@metsa.fi
Pohjan Voima develops clean energy production and its applications: energy parks, battery energy storage systems, and low-emission data centres. The company is owned by the Swedish Arise (part of the Nordic Aneo Group), the mutual insurance company LocalTapiola, and the company’s management team. www.pohjanvoima.fi/en