Metsähallitus’ operating model in offshore wind power development

Metsähallitus’ role is to manage the state-owned land and water areas. As a state-owned business, Metsähallitus acts as a project developer at the beginning of the project and as an issuer and lessor of reservation and access rights contracts. After the selection of a partner, Metsähallitus acts as the lessor of the water area. Ownership of the water area remains with the state.

The development of an offshore wind farm requires good interaction with decision-makers as well as local stakeholders. Reconciling different goals is a part of Metsähallitus’ core competence. We have an extensive stakeholder network and years of experience in engaging stakeholders and listening to their views.

Project development before tendering

Offshore wind power project development begins with preliminary studies of marine areas, based on which the areas to be tendered are selected. Areas that are suitable for wind power production according to regional planning and the marine spatial plan are selected for the surveys. The progress of the planning stage also depends on the local municipality’s interest in project development.

Project-specific tendering process

The lease rights for offshore wind farm areas and the initial project development will be put out to tender on the international market. Both domestic and foreign operators in the energy sector can participate in the tendering. The process is governed by private law, similar to the business acquisition process, with all bidders treated equally.

The tendering process begins with informing the market about the project. After receiving non-binding offers by the deadline, the bidders interested in the project are invited to present a binding offer. Among them, one or more partners are selected for the final negotiations. Once the parties have reached an agreement, project development will continue in accordance with the agreed terms. Qualitative and commercial criteria are emphasized in the allocation process.

Partner responsibilities and Metsähallitus’ role

The selected partner is responsible for, among other things, obtaining the necessary permits and developing the project area in the manner it considers appropriate.

Metsähallitus supports the selected partner in project development as agreed in the contract. Metsähallitus does not participate in energy production and, after the initial development phase, remains in the role of the lessor of the area.

Metsähallitus is responsible for managing and developing state-owned land and water areas. Revenue generated from these assets is paid into the State budget.

Existing reservation agreements

Before the current tendering model was approved in December 2021, areas were reserved directly for wind power companies. These reservation agreements have been extended in cases where the company has actively developed the project within the area.

• Tahkoluoto Extension
• Suurhiekka
• Maanahkiainen
  

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