Finnish renewable energy developer and producer Ilmatar Energy on Friday said it has secured survey permits from the Finnish government for two new offshore wind project areas in the Finnish Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The areas, called Bothnia and Bothnia West, are located in the middle of the Bothnian Sea and together have an exploration license for a total of almost 2,200 sq km.
“Roughly estimated, it can accommodate a wind farm with a capacity of over 6 GW. This means excellent opportunities for fossil-free electrification in Finland and Sweden,” said Jori Sihvonen, project manager for Ilmatar’s offshore development in Finland’s EEZ.
Ilmatar has already commenced work on the environmental impact assessment in partnership with Ramboll Finland and will start practical surveys early in 2024.
“What we as developer and independent energy producer need now, to realise this and other offshore wind projects in the EEZ, is government guidance on how to obtain exclusivity for the actual development of the areas,” added Jori Sihvonen.
The two areas are located about 100 km (62 miles) off the west coast of Finland. Water depths start from 35 metres for the smaller one, Bothnia West, and 60 metres for the bigger area and reach 120 metres for both.
