Power plant in Joensuu denied permission for additional water release amid electricity shortage
A power plant in Joensuu is unable to release additional water even amid an urgent electricity shortage, primarily due to the welfare of fish in the region. The Regional State Administrative Agency for Eastern Finland denied Kaltimo Power Plant, located in Enon, permission for additional water release. UPM Energy had sought this permission to enhance hydropower production during times of power shortages.
The agency’s decision was based on concerns for the living conditions of lake salmon and lake trout, both of which are critically endangered species. Johanna Ahonen, the director of the Eastern Finland agency, noted the case is unique as no previous requests for additional water release due to electricity shortages had been made.
“In complicated cases like this, multiple authorities are involved in assessing the application. In this instance, we had to consider three main factors,” Ahonen explained. Statements were requested from regional environmental authorities, municipalities, and transportation agencies. While all parties agreed on the decision, a vote was necessary to finalize the reasoning behind it.
According to water law, authorities must weigh the benefits and drawbacks of the project. For a permit to be granted, the anticipated benefits must significantly outweigh any potential harms. The decision can be appealed to the Administrative Court of Vasa. UPM Energy has indicated that the company is considering possible follow-up actions after the summer holidays.