Finland’s Ilmatar Energy ready to build 216MW wind complex

Finnish company Ilmatar Energy has announced it intends to begin construction of two new wind farms in the Alajärvi area in October 2021. 

The 216MW Möksy and Louhukangas (Alajärvi) Möksy and Louhukangas (Alajärvi) (216MW) OnshoreAlajärvi, Finland, Europe Click to see full details complex will consist of 36 of Vestas’ V162-6.0MW turbines.

The Alajärvi complex will be located on the border between the city of Alajärvi and the municipality of Kyyjärvi, next to the Alajärvi substation, which is one of the most significant nodes in the Finnish grid. 

Japanese utility Kansai Electric Power Company owns 49% of the shares in the complex.

It is due to be fully commissioned by the end of 2023.

The project is part of a recent investment drive by Ilmatar Energy. “In less than two years, we have implemented investment decisions for a total of more than 500MW for our new Finnish wind power projects,” said Juha Sarsama, CEO of Ilmatar Energy. 

“New wind power is the cheapest and cleanest way of generating electricity and enabling Finland’s climate goals. Additional construction of wind power is a sustainable way to respond to the increase in electricity demand due to the electrification of society, ” he added.

When completed, Alajärvi’s annual production will represent almost 1% of Finland’s current electricity production. 

The project has concluded long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) with undisclosed large companies, enabling it to build the complex without subsidies.

Ilmatar, which has been developing the Alajärvi wind farm project since 2012, will remain its owner and operator throughout the wind farm’s life cycle — an unusual setup in Finland.

“Owning a wind farm throughout its life cycle is central to Ilmatar’s new strategy and has been well received by municipalities, both among landowners and other key stakeholders. Long-term commitment benefits all parties,” said Sarsama.

Having raised more than €200 million in equity growth financing at the end of May, Ilmatar Energy has plans to also invest in industrial-scale solar power and battery storage solutions.

lmatar has stakes in 94MW of operational wind capacity, according to its website.