Fingrid, Finland's transmission system operator (TSO), has acquired a critical power line connecting the Central Ostrobothnia wind power hub to the country's main grid. The purchase includes a 55 km-long section of the 400kV transmission line between Alajarvi and Lestijarvi, originally built as a connection for the Lestijarvi wind farm.
The transaction, completed from the Lestijarvi electricity network, is a significant step in facilitating the integration of new wind and solar power capacity in the area. “We are planning the electricity network in cooperation with operators in the sector,” said Jussi Jyrinsalo, Fingrid's director of grid services. “This transaction is exceptionally significant, as it is the first 400 kilovolt line to be purchased by Fingrid.”
The Lestijarvi wind farm, under construction by OX2, will be completed in 2025. Once operational, it will be handed over to its owners: Kymppivoima, Oulun Energia, and Kuopion Energia. In addition to this wind farm, several other wind and solar farms are planned across Southern, Central, and Northern Ostrobothnia, making the new transmission infrastructure vital for the region's renewable energy expansion.
Fingrid is also developing a new 400kV transmission line through the area, known as the Lakeus Line, which will further strengthen the grid and enable the integration of additional renewable energy sources. However, due to increasing capacity demands, two more 400kV transmission lines are expected to be required in the main grid in the future.
“The ownership of transmission lines may change if the planning reveals an opportunity to make the use of the grid more efficient by changing ownership,” Jyrinsalo added, emphasizing that Fingrid regularly evaluates transmission line purchases as part of its strategic network development.
This acquisition is a crucial part of Finland's ongoing efforts to expand its renewable energy grid and facilitate the country's transition towards greater clean energy generation.
