2022
Report: Many factors make wind power projects unfeasible including existing infrastructure and livelihoods in different areas
Wind power can play an important role in the transition towards fossil-free energy production. However, a large part of the planned wind power projects in Finland is not ever realised. A report commissioned by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment and the Ministry of Defence examines the obstacles faced by wind power projects in Finland.
By the end of September 2022, the Finnish Defence Forces had issued around 18,500 favourable opinions on wind power plants throughout Finland from the point of view of territorial surveillance. Currently, approximately 1,100 plants produce wind power. The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, together with the Ministry of Defence, has investigated why a significant part of wind power projects in continental Finland do not proceed to the construction and production phase, despite a favourable opinion by the Defence Forces about the project’s impact on territorial surveillance.
Rapidly increasing wind power production is an important means for achieving a fossil-free society. Wind power therefore plays an important role in Finland’s energy sector and climate targets. FCG Finnish Consulting Group carried out the study for the ministries.
Various obstacles to wind power projects – eastern and northern Finland need a better main grid
There are many reasons wind power projects have not been realised. These reasons often relate to natural values, such as protecting the territories of raptors and wolves, opposition from local citizens and politicians, and competition between project developers. There may also be situations where conclusion of land lease agreements prevent the implementation of the projects. Regionally, the factors are most commonly connected to sources of livelihood and the existing infrastructure needed to support wind power construction.
“The regional differences highlighted in the report were quite understandable. There are obstacles based on natural values across the country, but certain species occur more in particular regions, creating an obstacle in that area. The high population density in southern Finland makes the construction of wind farms challenging, while projects in eastern and northern Finland require investments in the main grid and other infrastructure. On the other hand, extensive wind farms are not feasible in the lake areas of eastern and central Finland. In the north, reindeer herding is a clear reason for the slow spread of wind power. However, the attitudes towards wind power were similar in different regions,” says Jan Tvrdy, Head of land use planning at FCG.
Reliable research data and open interaction increase the likelihood of successful projects
FCG states in the conclusions of its report that current practices and the interpretation of the law need more standardisation. According to the report, the likelihood that projects are implemented can be increased by providing more research data on the impacts of wind power on sources of livelihoods and animals.
“The operators we interviewed believe that attitudes towards wind power will change as knowledge about the effects of wind power on different livelihoods and species increases. Project developers also felt that open discussion and interaction with different stakeholders has contributed to the progress of projects and improved attitudes,” Tvrdy adds.
The study was carried out as a survey and complementary interviews. Wind power project developers and representatives of municipal technical services responded to an anonymous survey, which included the option for the respondents to leave their contact details for possible further questions. The survey was sent to 30 wind power developers, 19 of which responded to it. Meanwhile, 25 responses were received from municipalities. The survey was sent to all 293 municipalities in continental Finland. Nine complementary interviews were conducted.
Inquiries:
Jan Tvrdy, Head of Business Unit, FCG Finnish Consulting Group, tel. +358 50 590 2832
Outi Vilén, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 295 047 016
Anu Sallinen, Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 335