The Finnish government has issued negative decisions on 16 applications for offshore wind power exploitation rights in the country's exclusive economic zone, citing the need for a predictable investment environment and consideration of societal interests.
According to the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, many of the proposed areas in the Gulf of Bothnia overlapped, prompting the rejections. However, the decision does not impede future offshore wind power development in the designated sea areas.
“The aim is that the decisions on offshore wind projects in Finland's exclusive economic zone are based on clear rules,” the Ministry stated.
Among the companies affected are Halla Offshore Wind Oy, Laine Offshore Wind Oy, Navakka Offshore Ab, Wellamo Offshore Ab, Skyborn Renewables Offshore Finland Oy, Ilmatar Vågskär Ab, Ilmatar Bothnia & Bothnia West Ab, Ilmatar Offshore Ab, Suomen Hyötytuuli Oy, and Pohjan Puhuri Oy and Pohjan Viima Oy.
The Ministry clarified that while some projects were in the research permit stage, others were undergoing environmental impact assessments. The applications were submitted under existing legislation, which lacks specific provisions for offshore wind power.
The Finnish Wind Association emphasized the importance of straightforward decisions to support offshore wind power development, urging the government to create an investment-friendly environment.
Matias Ollila, Director of Advocacy of the Finnish Wind Association, stated, “Project operators developing offshore wind power have used a lot of resources to develop the projects in question. At this point, expectations are growing high for the new economic zone offshore wind power law and the economic zone's future tenders.”
The government aims to clarify rules for offshore wind power projects through legislative reform led by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment. The reform will address competitive tendering, permits, compensation, and taxation matters concerning the exclusive economic zone.
“The ongoing legislative project will define the legislation, permit processes, compensation and tax matters concerning waters belonging to the country's exclusive economic zone without delay,” the Ministry affirmed.
The government plans to solicit feedback on the legislative draft and organize stakeholder events to ensure comprehensive input. The Finnish Wind Energy Association stressed the urgency of implementing offshore wind power taxation reforms and expediting future tenders to maintain competitiveness in the Baltic Sea region.
