Finnish state-owned enterprise Metsahallitus has initiated tenders for two offshore wind projects with a combined planned capacity of 3 GW. The government's resolution on Thursday paved the way for launching the auction procedure for a total of five projects, marking a crucial step in Finland's commitment to sustainable energy.
The designated sites, located in public water areas managed by Metsahallitus in the regions of Ostrobothnia and North Ostrobothnia, will undergo auctioning under a model developed in 2021. The projects include the Pyhajoki/Raahe and Narpes areas, with tenders set to be launched this year. Additionally, the Siikajoki/Hailuoto, Raahe/Siikajoki, and Kristinestad areas will see their auction processes confirmed in 2024. Collectively, these five sites have the potential to host around 7.5 GW of capacity.
Metsahallitus anticipates concluding the tendering process for the Narpio and Pyhajoki/Raahe projects, named Edith and Ebba, within approximately a year. Successful partners will acquire rights for the offshore wind initiatives, lease the designated areas, and oversee the construction of the corresponding power plants. The estimated total investment for delivering these two projects ranges between EUR 6 billion (USD 6.5bn) and EUR 8 billion, with the capacity to generate up to 14 TWh annually, constituting over 17% of Finland's current electricity consumption.
Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Sari Essayah expressed optimism about the positive impact of offshore wind power on Finland's renewable and emission-free electricity production. She emphasized that these projects will not only advance the clean energy transition but also foster the development of an entirely new sector in Finland. The move aligns with the country's commitment to increasing sustainable energy sources and reducing its carbon footprint.
