Press release, 7 December 2020
TUULI project maps the wind power potential of the region
The Regional Regional Assembly of Northern Ostrobothnia has launched the TUULI project, which produces new information on the suitability of the Northern Ostrobothnia region for wind power production and seeks solutions for solving environmental issues in the sector.
The aim is to create conditions for the development of the wind power sector and thus for increasing emission-free electricity production in the Northern Ostrobothnia region, taking into account different aspects of sustainable development. In Northern Ostrobothnia, the previous regional wind power survey was prepared in 2010-2011. The wind power sector and wind power technology have developed strongly over the last ten years, which is why a new overall study is needed.
During the project, wind power targets will be drawn up for Northern Ostrobothnia, location management of wind power production will be developed, and participation and interaction in the planning of wind power construction will be increased.
"Work will be carried out in cooperation with a broad range of stakeholders, including a commitment to realise the vision", says Erika Kylmänen, Project Manager of the TUULI project at the Regional Assembly of Oulu Region.
TUULI Project Steering Group welcomed the project at its kick-off meeting. “The aim is to jointly promote the future of wind power construction in the whole region on a sustainable basis, taking into account local values. The project hopes for a high-quality vision to support location management and spatial planning in future wind power construction", highlights Mathias Holmén, representative of the Raahe region and planner.
The wind power potential of Northern Ostrobothnia is very significant, and the region's industry has a great need for affordable renewable electricity. “Renewable energy is also of interest to hydrogen producers. In the coming years, new inland wind power capacity will continue to be built in the Northern Ostrobothnia region, and many municipalities also have significant reserves in marine areas. Wind power has a significant impact on employment and tax revenue for municipalities. Promoting renewable energy is seen as important for the future’, Mathias Holmén.
Tuukka Paahtamaa, Senior Adviser at the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment of Northern Ostrobothnia, emphasises the sustainable development of the wind power sector. “I see the importance of the objective of creating the conditions for the development of the wind energy sector, taking into account environmental issues and different aspects of sustainable development”.
The results of the development project will be used to support the statutory location control (zoning) of wind power at both the regional and municipal levels. stakeholders in the wind power sector can also use the results in their national and regional partnership planning work.
The project is funded by the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment of Northern Ostrobothnia/the European European European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) (ERDF) (ERDF), the member municipalities of Northern Ostrobothnia and the Regional Assembly of Oulu Region. The total cost of the project is EUR 392 136. The project will run from 1 August 2020 to 30 August 2022.
More information about the TUULI project: Erika Kylmänen, Environmental Manager, Regional Assembly of Oulu Region, tel. +358 40 685 4041, erika.kylmänen(at)pohjois-pohjanmaa.fi.
Figure: It's Erika Cold. Installation of the Mäkikangas wind farm in Pyhäjoki in April 2015.
