Defence concerns and dense settlements stall wind power in Uusimaa

Uusimaa has just one industrial-scale wind turbine site and no new projects in the pipeline, with defence concerns, dense settlement and nature protections limiting development, Yle reports.

The existing turbines are in Santala, in Hanko. Henri Jutila, a special adviser at the Regional Council of Uusimaa, said the Finnish Defence Forces’ statements had been the biggest obstacle to projects proposed for the region.

The council has proposed wind power areas in its regional plans, but Jutila said the Defence Forces’ assessments had effectively prevented construction. The military says turbines can interfere with radar surveillance.

Other constraints include dense settlement, environmental values, birdlife and Natura areas. Uusimaa’s current fourth regional plan includes wind power areas in the sea off Porvoo and around Loviisa, but few developers have shown interest, Jutila said. Wind power is not included in the fifth regional plan now being prepared, a deliberate decision based on the likelihood that Defence Forces objections would block the areas already designated.

Jutila said wind conditions are suitable for commercial wind power, particularly with newer, taller turbines. But companies have shown little interest because projects are easier to develop elsewhere in Finland. In 2023, the regional council said wind power would not be a solution for meeting Uusimaa’s carbon neutrality targets.

The Defence Forces’ General Staff said its position is not generally negative. By the end of September this year, it had issued favourable statements for 19 wind power projects in Uusimaa, covering 121 turbines, and unfavourable statements for 15 projects covering 194 turbines. Ten more projects were referred for a more detailed assessment of radar impacts.

The General Staff said the Defence Forces supports wind power as an energy source, but must ensure that construction does not undermine military defence or surveillance of the territory.

Anni Mikkonen, chief executive of the Finnish Renewables Association, said projects that receive a favourable military assessment may still fail for other reasons. Developers first identify potential sites and seek a Defence Forces assessment, then consult the municipality, negotiate with landowners and carry out detailed nature surveys. Proximity to housing or environmental values can ultimately prevent construction, she said.

Mikkonen also said a new land use law would make wind power development more difficult. The article’s source text ends before giving further details about the law.