Solar power
Solar power is one form of electricity generation that can increase domestic electricity production and thereby strengthen energy self-sufficiency. One of Metsähallitus’ strategic objectives is to increase the development of renewable energy projects on state-owned lands. We monitor progress towards this objective through our strategic indicators. Solar and wind power generation are concentrated at different times, which means they complement each other in electricity production.
Solar power generates electricity without operational emissions. Environmental impacts associated with solar power arise, among other things, from the manufacturing of equipment, construction activities and land use. Electricity production is highest during spring and summer, but solar power also generates electricity during winter. Solar irradiation is strongest in coastal areas and southern Finland. However, utility-scale solar power projects are also being developed in more northern regions and inland areas. Solar power is increasingly being developed together with wind power as hybrid projects, where electricity is generated from both solar and wind energy at different times of the year.
Metsähallitus’ role in solar power projects
We lease land areas for solar power projects and act as a project developer in both solar power projects and hybrid projects that combine solar and wind power. We seek to direct solar power development to environments that have already been modified by human activity, such as former peat production areas.
In solar power projects, we carry out surveys that assess factors such as natural values, land-use impacts and project acceptability. We also seek to reconcile different land-use needs and identify workable solutions that take multiple interests and perspectives into account.
Solar power leasing and project development are part of our statutory property development operations. Similar to wind power projects, we sell the project rights before the construction phase begins. Metsähallitus is therefore not the project developer responsible for construction or the producer of electricity.
Lease of solar power areas to project developers
We also lease areas for solar power projects. Before launching the solar power project in state-owned areas, the operator must have a valid agreement on the area with Metsähallitus.
We only lease areas approved for business use for solar power development. Solar power construction cannot be planned in nature reserves, national parks or state-owned areas reserved for conservation.
Area inquiries
Area inquiries must be carried out as early as possible by contacting our Wind Power Unit. The project developer submits a proposal to the experts of the regional lease team by e-mail regarding the areas managed by Metsähallitus that are reserved for solar power use.
Pipsa Malinen
Puh. +358401929338
At least the following must be delivered to Metsähallitus:
- Main information about the project.
- The limits of the project area and presentation of the area to be reserved as a shp file
- Status of land leases concluded in the project area
- Preliminary project schedule
The preliminary investigation and reservation process of solar power areas is mostly similar to wind power projects. Unlike in wind power projects, a lease agreement for solar power areas is negotiated after the reservation agreement and it excludes other use of the area during the term of the lease agreement.
We require our contractual partners to commit to the Metsähallitus Partner Code of Conduct, which is based on Metsähallitus’ own Code of Conduct. The Partner Code of Conduct contains the minimum requirements set by Metsähallitus for contract partners, which, in addition to the laws and regulations applicable to their business operations, they must comply with in their contractual relationship with Metsähallitus.