Offshore Wind Power: A Delayed Dream in Finland’s Economic Zone?

The decision to delay the construction of offshore wind power in Finland’s economic zone has sparked criticism from some players in the wind power industry. Despite receiving applications from 11 companies for 16 areas in the Gulf of Pohjanlahti, the government chose not to grant exclusive rights for the construction of offshore wind power in the region.

This move has raised concerns among some companies, including Finland’s utility wind and Swedish OX2, who expressed disappointment at the delay in their offshore wind projects. The industry’s interest organization, Suomen Tuulivoimayhdistys, also highlighted the impact of this decision on the development of offshore wind power projects.

The Ministry of Labor and Economy explained that the purpose of this decision is to clarify the rules surrounding the construction of wind power in the economic zone. Currently, there is no regulation regarding taxation of wind power construction or how offshore wind power areas are divided. The government is supportive of offshore wind power projects and aims to promote their construction in the Baltic Sea. However, it recognizes that wider impacts on areas like shipping must be considered before granting exclusive rights to use these areas.

In response to this decision, a new law on offshore wind power in the economic zone is being prepared by the Ministry of Labor and Economy. This law aims to create rules for selecting operators for specific sea areas through a tendering process. Exclusive rights to use these areas will be decided through this process, and a timeline for implementing these projects will be established. The law is expected to enter into force by the end of this year, with potentially operational projects as early as 2030s.