Plans for wind farm development in North Karelia could reshape Koli National Park

Plans are underway for the potential development of wind farms in North Karelia, which could alter the region’s iconic national landscape, including at Koli National Park. The North Karelia Regional Council is currently preparing the second phase of its regional plan for 2040. The draft of this plan proposes several amendments to the existing wind power framework and evaluates the impacts of larger wind farms, which would consist of more than eight turbines, on the province’s scenic areas.

Nearly 50 areas representing traditional rural landscapes have also had their scenic values updated during this process. To visualize the potential impact of the proposed wind farms, the council has created photographic simulations showing how the turbines would appear in the landscape. These simulations were developed by WSP Finland OY. The majority of the proposed wind energy sites are located west of Joensuu and in the Pielisen Karelia region.

According to environmental expert Jukka Nykänen from the North Karelia Regional Council, the nearest theoretical wind turbine could be situated 19.7 kilometers from the top of Ukko-Koli at the Jaakonvaara-Julkuvaara site. There are several areas in North Karelia where conditions are conducive to wind energy development, with studies indicating a potential capacity for approximately 900 turbines, generating about 20,000 GWh of electricity—nearly double the region’s total energy demand in 2022.

The installation of wind turbines would also yield considerable economic benefits in the form of property taxes. A single eight-megawatt turbine could contribute around 1.3 million euros in property taxes over its 30-year lifespan.

However, the progress of these initiatives is complicated by concerns from the defense forces and challenges related to electricity transmission, with expected public discussions regarding noise and landscape impacts. The defense forces are reviewing all proposed projects to assess their effects on air surveillance radar. Additionally, any wind energy development must be linked to the regional and national electricity grid.

According to the regional council’s study, significant potential for wind energy construction exists in areas such as Lieksa, Juuka, and Nurmes, as well as in Joensuu, Kontiolahti, Liperi, and Heinävesi. The Korpivaara wind farm project in Liperi has advanced the furthest, securing four turbines, while two projects in Heinävesi are in the environmental impact assessment phase.

The public can review the draft of the regional plan from August 5 to September 16, 2024, and various information and discussion sessions will be held across the region, as announced on the council’s website.