29.02.2024
Climate impacts of wind and solar power production and electricity transmission have been examined in the EMMI project
The second work package of the EMMI project of the Regional Council of North Ostrobothnia examined the climate impacts of wind power production and electricity transmission in the regional energy and climate phase plan of North Ostrobothnia, as well as the climate impacts of solar power production in general.
The regional plan process for the energy and climate phase of Northern Ostrobothnia is underway. The consultation with the authorities at the proposal stage has just ended. North Ostrobothnia is the leading wind power region in Finland. About 40 % Finnish wind power is produced here. Based on extensive studies, a total of 61 new wind power areas, totalling approximately 1,705 km2, have been identified during the regulatory proposal phase.
The assessment of impacts in land use planning is based on the Land Use and Building Act and Decree. Evaluation is an integral part of zoning and its purpose is to produce the information needed for the preparation of the plan and the related interaction and decision-making. The TP2 study of the EMMI project was commissioned to refine the assessment of the impacts of the phase-regional plan in terms of climate impacts. Ramboll Finland Oy acted as the expert service provider and the work was sparred by a group of external experts. The work was carried out in close cooperation with the planning team of the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia.
There are also several solar power projects under way in Northern Ostrobothnia. Solar power is not controlled in regional planning, but through municipality-specific control tools. The report provides information on the state of play of guidance and ongoing developments. Results were obtained from the climate impacts of solar power per hectare in different land uses. The projects were examined over the entire life cycle, taking into account changes in land use.
The results show both positive and negative climate impacts. Renewable energy production projects have an impact on the emissions of the energy sector, but also on the carbon sinks and storages of forests. In the phase region plan for Northern Ostrobothnia, a large proportion of wind power projects are located in coniferous and mixed forests.
The calculation principles used in this thesis have been opened. It should be noted that no calculation method is comprehensive and the results contain uncertainties. The emission factor of electricity production under different scenarios varies considerably, which affects the final result. It should also be noted that the results do not take into account biodiversity or other environmental impacts.
On 28 February 2024, 88 listeners attended the EMMI Results Seminar. According to Markus Erkkilä, Director of Planning, the results of the study will be utilised in regional planning work and in the development of the area, and it is hoped that it will also benefit municipalities in their own work.
The report can be downloaded from the EMMI project website: EMMI - Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia
Additional information:
Ritva Isomäki, Senior Specialist, Project Manager
ritva.isomaki(at)pohjois-pohjanmaa.fi
