The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) programme for Ilmatar's largest offshore wind project, Bothnia, has been launched and the project progresses to consultation phase. The EIA work is carried out in cooperation with Ramboll Finland.
Ilmatar´s Bothnia project is located in the Finnish Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and is divided into two sub-areas, Bothnia and Bothnia West. During development, the areas have been optimised and thus reduced - Bothnia is now about half its original size, and Bothnia West has been reduced by about 40%.
"At this stage, we have chosen to proceed on areas with minimal overlap with other interests, such as shipping and fishing. We have also considered the depth conditions; the optimised project areas have a depth between 40 and 120 metres", says Jori Sihvonen, Ilmatar's offshore project manager for the EEZ.
"This is the nature of the EIA process - you start big, and after thorough investigations, we end up with an optimised result since we have a better overview of a previously uncharted sea area and its surroundings. As an energy producer, we see this as an expected development. Future clean energy production needs to be built responsibly. Thanks to our strong environmental legislation, the Nordics is an optimal place to do this", says Anna Häger, Regional Manager at Ilmatar.
One of the largest offshore projects in Finland
Despite the optimisation, Bothnia remains one of Finland's largest offshore wind projects. Together, the two areas cover nearly 1.200 km2 and have a potential energy production capacity of 4 GW.
"Energy is the foundation of our modern society, as we have learnt the hard way in recent years. Ilmatar's operations already have a positive climate impact, and the more renewable energy we produce, the faster other companies and industrial sectors can take steps towards greater sustainability. Electrification and the clean transition require a significant increase in renewable energy production", says Anna Häger.
With the launch of the EIA programme, the Bothnia project now enters its consultation phase, where the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY) in Southwest Finland accepts statements and views from stakeholders, other authorities and the public.
Open scoping consultations are organised in Rauma, Kristiinankaupunki and online.
Documentation, instructions and meeting details are available in Finnish and Swedish at www.miljo.fi/bothnia-havsvindkraft-MKB
Deadline for submitting comments is 14 June 2024.
More information:
Anna Häger, Regional manager, Ilmatar
+358 40 14 67 221
anna.hager@ilmatar.ax
Jori Sihvonen, Project Manager, Ilmatar
+358 40 185 4668
jori.sihvonen@ilmatar.ax
ABOUT ILMATAR
Ilmatar is a leading Independent Power Producer (IPP) and renewable energy developer in the Nordics. We generate clean electricity sustainably and efficiently from natural sources, wind and sun. With energy storage, we enhance a more flexible energy ecosystem.
Our extensive portfolio spans over 20 GW in mainland Finland, Åland, and Sweden, where we develop, own and operate a diverse range of wind and solar energy production facilities throughout their operational lifetimes.
Headquartered in Helsinki, we employ over 100 top experts who enhance the clean transition.
Ilmatar - Charging the Nordics. With renewable energy.
