Finland Times

 

File picture of wind power project. Photo Lehtikuva.

The Ministry of Employment and the Economy has selected Suomen Hyötytuuli Oy's plan for a wind power farm as an experimental project for offshore wind power.

 

The ministry on Wednesday granted euro 20 million in investment subsidies for the implementation of the project, said an official press release.

 

The support must not exceed 18.5 percent of the realised acceptable costs for the project. In addition, the project might be eligible for operating aid for the amount of electricity it will generate over a period of 12 years.

 

“We received several good applications for the experimental project for offshore wind power. Suomen Hyötytuuli Ltd's project was considered to be the best one. It will now serve as a trailblazer for Finnish offshore wind power,” Economic Affairs Minister Jan Vapaavuori, who signed the decision supporting the project, observed.

 

Suomen Hyötytuuli Ltd hopes to build 10 or 11 turbines in Tahkoluoto, with a combined output of about 40-44 megawatts.

 

Minister of Economic Affairs Jan Vapaavuori. Photo Lehtikuva.

The company's aim is to make a decision on the investment in March 2015. 

 

It estimates that the project would be completed by the end of 2016.

 

The project would demonstrate solutions for wind turbines and offshore foundations that are suitable for conditions in the Baltic Sea.

 

The state budget has euro 20 million earmarked for a demonstration project for offshore wind power for 2014. 

 

The aim of the subsidy is to cover the additional costs incurred in comparison with land-based wind power, said the release. 

 

Eight other companies including Rajakiiri (Tornio/Röyttä), Propel Voima Ltd and Lumituuli Ltd (Oulunsalo/Hailuoto), Innopower (Kemi/Ajos and Kokkola), Mervento (Kokkola) and Suomen Merituulivoima (Siipyy) took part in the application process for this experimental project, the press release added.