Fortum and Helen Oy have announced the completion of a 380MW wind farm in Finland after over two years of construction. Situated in the areas of Narpio and Kristiinankaupunki in western Finland, the Pjelax site boasts 56 turbines.
Construction on the wind farm commenced in January 2022 and was successfully concluded according to schedule, thanks to the collaborative efforts of over 400 landowners, numerous local businesses, organizations, and officials.
Fortum holds a 60% stake in the site, with Helen owning the remaining 40%. Helen has committed to purchasing approximately 50% of the wind farm’s electricity production throughout its lifecycle.
Markus Rauramo, President, and CEO of Fortum, expressed pride in the completion of the Pjelax wind farm, citing it as a testament to Fortum’s commitment to assisting customers in reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
Olli Sirkka, CEO of Helen, emphasized the significance of the Pjelax wind farm in bolstering renewable electricity production and driving competitiveness in Finland. He noted that increased wind power generation not only benefits customers by lowering electricity prices but also facilitates investments centered on clean energy consumption.
The extensive infrastructure construction and earthworks at the wind farm were managed by Suvic Oy and Närpiö-based Simons Infra Oy. The transportation of the turbines, involving 728 special transport operations, was facilitated through the port of Kaskinen.
The economic impact of the wind farm will be notable, with substantial contributions expected in terms of municipal land rental income and property tax revenue, amounting to millions of euros annually.
Finland’s transmission system operator, Fingrid, and turbine supplier, Nordex, played crucial roles in ensuring the smooth execution of the project.
The opening ceremony of the wind farm was met with celebration by local residents, who hailed it as a collaborative achievement and lauded its role in promoting the transition to clean energy in Finland.