The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) programme for Ilmatar’s largest offshore wind project, Bothnia, has been launched and the project proceeds to consultation phase. The EIA work is carried out in cooperation with Ramboll Finland.
Ilmatar´s Bothnia project is located in the Finnish Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and is divided into two sub-areas, Bothnia and Bothnia West. During development, the areas have been optimised and thus reduced – Bothnia is now about half its original size, and Bothnia West has been reduced by about 40%.
“At this stage, we have chosen to proceed on areas with minimal overlap with other interests, such as shipping and fishing. We have also considered the depth conditions; the optimised project areas have a depth between 40 and 120 metres”, says Jori Sihvonen, Ilmatar’s offshore project manager for the EEZ.
“This is the nature of the EIA process – you start big, and after thorough investigations, we end up with an optimised result since we have a better overview of a previously uncharted sea area and its surroundings. As an energy producer, we see this as an expected development. Future clean energy production needs to be developed responsibly. Thanks to our strong environmental legislation, the Nordics is an optimal place to do this”, says Anna Häger, Regional Manager at Ilmatar.
One of the largest offshore projects in Finland
Despite the optimisation, Bothnia remains one of Finland’s largest offshore wind projects. Together, the two areas cover nearly 1.200 km2 and have a potential energy production capacity of 4 GW.
“Energy is the foundation of our modern society, as we have learnt the hard way in recent years. Ilmatar’s operations already have a positive climate impact, and the more renewable energy we produce, the faster other companies and industrial sectors can take steps towards greater sustainability. Electrification and the clean transition require a significant increase in renewable energy production”, says Anna Häger.
Consultation documents (SWE & FIN)
With the launch of the EIA programme, the Bothnia project enters its consultation phase, where the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY) in Southwest Finland accepts statements and views from stakeholders, other authorities and the public.
Open scoping consultations are organised in Rauma, Kristiinankaupunki and online.
The deadline for submitting comments is 14 June 2024.
Documents and instructions at environment.fi (in Swedish) >>
The planned activities and the environmental effects they are expected to cause are described in the consultation document.
Contact
Jori Sihvonen, Project Manager Ilmatar Offshore
Tel. +358 40 185 4668
E-mail: jori.sihvonen@ilmatar.ax
Open scoping consultations
Online consultation
Date: Tuesday, 7 May 2024
Time: 17:30-19:30
Language: Swedish and Finnish
Link for participation is available at ELY, in Finnish: xxx and in Swedish: xxx.
Rauma
Date: Tuesday, 21 May 2024
Time: 17.30-19.30
Language: Finnish.
Place: Juhlahovi, Tikkalantie 7, 26100 Rauma
Coffee served from 17.00.
Kristiinankaupunki
Date: Wednesday, 22 May 2024
Time: 17.30-19.30
Language: Swedish and Finnish
Location: Bio Dux, Merikatu 21, 64100 Kristiinankaupunki
Coffee served from 17.00.