Finland’s solar energy production set to grow with landowners leasing 2,000 hectares in Central Ostrobothnia

The production of solar energy in Finland is expected to grow significantly in the near future. According to the Energy Authority, Finland had an installed solar power capacity of approximately 1,000 megawatts by the end of last year, with most of this capacity being under one megawatt, indicating small-scale production. Industrial-scale installations accounted for 50 megawatts. Currently, there are plans for solar power facilities exceeding 16,300 megawatts, though not all of these projects will come to fruition.

In Central Ostrobothnia, landowners have become interested in solar power as a source of income. A group of landowners and entrepreneurs sought out regional business developers to determine if energy companies would be interested in leasing land for solar panel fields. Over 50 landowners have offered a total of 2,000 hectares of land. Business developer Tomas Luoma reported that around twenty energy companies or project developers are willing to sign land lease agreements and design solar power plants in the region. The expectation is that some projects will commence shortly, with about half of the reported hectares already reserved. Projects are likely to be published within six months.

MTK’s energy expert, Anssi Kainulainen, noted a surge in inquiries about solar energy from the countryside. These inquiries often revolve around two scenarios: landowners seeking advice on potential agreements with energy companies and those wanting to understand the process for having solar panels installed on their land. Developers are particularly interested in decommissioned peat bogs and arable land, especially where existing road access is available.

Luoma pointed out that Finland receives enough sunlight to make it a suitable area for solar energy, even producing energy more effectively in cooler conditions compared to the peak heat in Southern Europe.