How We Operate

These also apply to our work in wind power development. The interactive approach supports dialogue between stakeholders and helps identify solutions that take different perspectives into account.

General operating principles

Metsähallitus is a state-owned enterprise and we have extensive experience in wind power project development. The Government Programme sets out Finland’s goal of becoming a fossil-free welfare society by 2035. We are implementing this goal through our strategy and climate programme. Our aim is to multiply the production of renewable energy in state-owned land and water areas by 2030.

The state’s land and water areas Metsähallitus cares for are managed as a whole. Metsähallitus has an extensive right of action as the steward of these areas. Metsähallitus’ line of business is the commercial exploitation of state-owned land and water property entrusted to its stewardship and the governance of its subsidiaries and associated companies, which conduct business related to managing this property. Metsähallitus Property Development is responsible for wind power development operations on state land and water areas.

Metsähallitus also takes biodiversity into account in the management and use of state-owned land and water areas. Under the Act on Metsähallitus, biodiversity must be adequately safeguarded and promoted through suitable measures.

On state-owned land and water areas managed by Metsähallitus, wind power development must be coordinated with other forms of land use. As the manager of these areas, Metsähallitus is responsible for reconciling different land-use needs. Wind power projects are planned with the aim of avoiding and mitigating adverse impacts on nature and the environment.

Metsähallitus’ operating model for offshore wind power

Metsähallitus operates at sea both as a project developer for wind power and as an issuer and lessor of reservation and access rights contracts. We do not build wind turbines or have them built, we do not own the wind parks or participate in energy production. In all cases, ownership of the water area remains with the state.

Korsnäs is the first offshore wind power project in which we act as the project developer. With such a large-scale project we are implementing a partner-based operating model. We are in the process of looking for a partner that can implement project construction and operations of this magnitude and we will organise a tender process to select a partner. The partner may be from Finland or foreign, but they must meet the requirements set by Metsähallitus for the tender process and contractual cooperation. The co-operation agreement will define the ownership shares and responsibilities of each partner.

Reconciling different land-use interests is an important part of offshore wind power development. The development process requires active interaction with stakeholders, decision-makers and local communities. Metsähallitus works with a broad range of stakeholders throughout project development and takes different perspectives into account as part of the planning process.

After the development of the project, Metsähallitus will act as a lessor in wind farms, and the rental payments received from wind farms will form a part of Metsähallitus’ profits.

Metsähallitus’ role in wind power project development on land areas

Our knowledge of local environmental values, conservation programmes and other forms of land use helps identify relevant stakeholders in the early stages of project development.

• Metsähallitus works on the principle of co-operation, openness and interaction with all parties interested in the use of state-owned land
• Knowledge of environmental values, nature conservation and local land use helps us to identify the key stakeholders early on
• Close cooperation and early engagement with stakeholders are an important part of wind power project development.
• Metsähallitus and its suppliers are expected to comply with the principles of the Metsähallitus Code of Conduct.