OX2 has submitted the environmental impact statement (EIA) for the 2,400MW Halla offshore wind farm, located within Finland's economic zone in the Gulf of Bothnia. This marks the first EIA procedure for an offshore wind power project in Finland's economic zone, according to the company.
The Halla project, which is jointly owned by Ingka Investments, is situated approximately 35 kilometers off the coasts of Oulu and Brahestad. The project, designed to accommodate up to 160 wind turbines, is expected to generate an estimated 12 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity annually.
The EIA procedure encompasses a range of elements, including the offshore wind farm itself, internal electricity transmission, hydrogen pipelines, dredging sites, offshore power stations, and facilities for hydrogen production at sea. It also includes the installation of submarine cables and a hydrogen pipeline to the mainland, as well as the development of hydrogen storage and electricity transmission infrastructure.
OX2 stated that extensive technical investigations, including wind measurements, ice state mapping, and seabed soundings, have been conducted to support the project's development. These studies did not reveal any significant environmental harm in the planned project area, with the sea depth and distance from the coast being mitigating factors.
“The preliminary results of the EIA description for the Halla project confirm that we have the ability and expertise to develop responsible solutions for renewable energy even under demanding conditions,” said Janne Lamberg, Business Director at OX2 Finland.
OX2 also noted that ongoing wind measurements, conducted over the past two years, show favorable conditions for offshore wind power production in the proposed site.
In addition, the company is involved in the IceWind project, in collaboration with VTT, the Meteorological Institute, and Aalto University, which investigates ice conditions and their effects on offshore wind turbine foundations. This research aims to enhance the development of foundations suitable for ice-prone areas.
Should the Halla project progress to the permit stage, additional investigations will be required, including those addressing shipping safety and further collaboration with authorities.
The project is part of Finland's broader energy transition, as the country aims to significantly increase its renewable energy capacity to meet growing energy demand. “Offshore wind power can play an important role in achieving Finland's goal of carbon neutrality, strengthening energy self-sufficiency, and enabling other investments in connection with the energy transition,” Lamberg added.
OX2 is also responsible for the development of two other offshore wind projects in the Gulf of Bothnia—Laine and Tyrsky—while the EIA for the Laine project is expected to be ready in spring 2025.
