Finland grants Ilmatar Offshore research permit for two potential offshore wind farms

The granted permit applies to two areas, one of which is located approximately 30 kilometers from Jakobstad and the other approximately 70 kilometers southwest of Vaasa. Ilmatar Offshore has previously announced that these projects have been temporarily suspended. However, after the granting of the research permit, the development will now continue and the areas are given an official project status.

"These areas are absolutely still of interest to us. The permitting procedure in the EEZ areas is still unclear, but we know that the principle ‘first come, first served’ does not apply here. Obtaining a research permit or presenting a completed environmental impact assessment does not give priority," says?Anna Häger, Regional Manager at Ilmatar Offshore.

"It should be self-evident, and it is also in Finland’s interest, that domestic operators operate in Finland’s EEZ areas. That is the only way to ensure long-term value development and joint development work with the Finnish industry," Juha-Pekka Weckström, CEO of Ilmatar, says.

The projects outside the Ostrobothnia coastal waters were named ‘Voima’ and ‘Norrskär’. The areas cover 323 and 389 square kilometres, respectively. It is too early to predict the number of turbines and the installed capacity, but the preconditions are very good. The areas are not too deep and the wind conditions are good. In addition, there is export potential to nearby areas where the need for green energy is growing, the company says.