Over 60% of the people on Åland believe that offshore wind is good for Åland, and 17% think that Åland should invest more in wind energy. These are the results of a recently published study carried out by ÅSUB, the statistics center of Åland and commissioned by the infrastructure department of the Government of Åland.
– This feedback is as positive as it gets. Our plan is that offshore wind will become something that will profit Åland in the decades to come. If there is a will and a need, we are ready to scale up our investment, says Anna Häger, Regional Manager at Ilmatar Offshore.
– We are happy about but not too surprised by the results. People on Åland are environmentally conscious and the development of renewable energy matches their state of mind.
Over 60% of the people on Åland believe that offshore wind is good for Åland, and 17% think that Åland should invest more in wind energy. These are the results of a recently published study carried out by ÅSUB, the statistics center of Åland and commissioned by the infrastructure department of the Government of Åland.
– This feedback is as positive as it gets. Our plan is that offshore wind will become something that will profit Åland in the decades to come. If there is a will and a need, we are ready to scale up our investment, says Anna Häger, Regional Manager at Ilmatar Offshore.
– We are happy about but not too surprised by the results. People on Åland are environmentally conscious and the development of renewable energy matches their state of mind.
Transparent and effective communication
As a long-term actor, Ilmatar also wants to address the worries related to offshore wind. ÅSUB’s study results indicate that certain respondents are worried about how the projects will impact wildlife and the marine environment as well as how the surroundings will be restored once the turbines have become redundant, recycling of construction material, noise and the feeling that the profits will not go to Åland. Ilmatar’s goal is to maximize its collaboration with Åland-based businesses and entrepreneurs, which is why we emphasize transparent and effective communication.
– Worries are a part of all new solutions. It is in our nature to be skeptical of new things, Anna Häger says.
– We are more than happy to respond to any comments or fears that reach us for example through our social media channels. Since the project is still in its early stages, and all things have not been decided yet, we are not always able to provide detailed answers. But the dialogue will continue for many years. As the project progresses, the communication from the Government of Åland regarding the relevant regulations is becoming more clear, and as we can measure more, we also become more precise in our communication, Anna Häger explains.
