Finland’s first pumped-storage hydropower plant planned for Kemijärvi amid local opposition

Plans for Finland’s first pumped-storage hydropower plant at Ailangantunturi in Kemijärvi were met with strong local resistance at a public meeting on Monday, Yle reports.

Kemijoki Oy presented its proposal to transform Tunturilampi into a 4 sq km upper reservoir, with water released through a tunnel to Kemijärvi. The project, estimated at €800 million, would begin construction as early as 2029 and start production in 2032.

The Kemijärvi council voted in February to ban pumped-storage plants, but the company has proceeded with permitting, citing support from the Finnish government and the EU.

At the meeting, residents expressed concerns over environmental damage, including impacts on fish, birds, and reindeer herding. Many criticized the lack of social acceptance for the project, with only a fraction of the 40 attendees able to ask questions.

Kemijoki Oy has submitted initial permit applications and is conducting geological surveys this summer to ensure structural safety. The company expects environmental impact assessments to be completed by authorities this summer.