The Finnish government has declined 16 applications for exploitation rights concerning offshore wind power development within the nation's exclusive economic zone, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment announced on Thursday. The majority of these applications, primarily situated in the Gulf of Bothnia, exhibit overlapping coverage areas.
While asserting that the decision does not impede potential offshore wind projects in these specific regions, the ministry emphasized the importance of maintaining clarity and fairness in the investment landscape. The move aligns with the government's objective to establish a predictable environment for investors, particularly considering impending legislation concerning the exclusive economic zone.
According to the ministry, the decision is part of a strategic approach towards selecting and tendering the initial offshore wind projects within the exclusive economic zone by year-end.
The applicants, including OX2 Finland's subsidiaries Halla Offshore Wind Oy and Laine Offshore Wind Oy, Eolus Offshore's Navakka Offshore Ab and Wellamo Offshore Ab units, Skyborn Renewables Offshore Finland Oy, three subsidiaries of Ilmatar Energy Oy, Suomen Hyotytuuli Oy, and Pohjan Puhuri Oy and Pohjan Viima Oy, owned by a fund managed by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, proposed projects at various stages of development, all seeking exclusive exploitation rights for offshore wind power generation over 40–70 years.
