Finnish energy project deemed harmful to protected sea eagles

A proposed wind and solar energy project on the border of Karvia and Parkano in western Finland poses significant risks to the protected white-tailed eagle, according to a regulatory assessment by the Finnish Permit and Supervision Authority (LVV).

The Haitinkangas project, developed by Elements Suomi, could include up to 16 wind turbines—each potentially reaching 350 meters in height—and a solar farm covering over 350 hectares. Most of the turbines would be located in Karvia.

LVV’s evaluation states that the project’s environmental impact report underestimates the harm to local bird populations, particularly the white-tailed eagle, a species protected under Finnish conservation law. The authority also warns of adverse effects on residents’ living conditions, including light flicker and noise, as well as cumulative impacts with the nearby Kantin wind farm.

A 30-kilometer power transmission line, with two possible routes, would also be required for the project.

Local environmental group chair Kirsi Kaunisharju argues that the turbines would undermine years of conservation efforts to restore the eagle population in the area. Energy analyst Juha Suni notes that turbines of this scale are not yet commercially available, suggesting the project may be more feasible in the next decade.