Swedish renewable energy developer, Alight, has unveiled its ambitious plans to venture into the Finnish market with a groundbreaking 100MW-plus solar park. The sprawling ground-mounted facility will span an impressive 123 hectares, equivalent to an astonishing 175 football fields, and will be situated in Eurajoki, within the Satakunta municipality.
This project, boasting an installed capacity exceeding 100MW, is poised to make a significant contribution to Finland's renewable energy landscape, with its potential to power approximately 20,000 households annually. Alight aims to commence construction in the fourth quarter of 2024, with a commissioning target set for the first quarter of 2026.
Eurajoki, already recognized as a pioneer in fossil-free electricity production, thanks to the presence of the Olkiluoto 3 nuclear power plant, is primed to solidify its standing as a global leader in the transition towards clean energy. Alight's addition of this substantial solar park further reinforces Eurajoki's position in this regard, facilitating the global shift towards cleaner energy sources.
In addition to advancing Finland's clean energy goals, the development and construction of this expansive solar park are expected to generate employment opportunities, benefiting the local community. Alight's Chief Operations Officer, Warren Campbell, emphasized the significance of this venture, stating, “Alight has been pioneering solar power in Sweden for more than a decade, and we similarly see immense potential in the Finnish market.”
This strategic move into Eurajoki marks an exciting expansion phase for Alight, aligning with Finland's ambitious targets of achieving carbon neutrality by 2035 and establishing itself as the world's first fossil fuel-free society. As the clean energy transition gains momentum, Alight's entry into the Finnish market signifies a promising development in the journey towards a sustainable and eco-friendly future.
