Finland : Ilmatar Energy Oy receives a research permit for offshore wind power in the Bothnian Sea

Government has granted Ilmatar Energy Oy conditional consent to carry out marine area and seabed surveys related to the offshore wind farm project in Finland's exclusive economic zone. The Government's consent is valid until 31.12.2024.

The research area Vgskr is located in the Bothnian Sea, north of land. The closest distance to the project area from Ahevenanmaa (Dn island) is about 30 kilometers. The area of the design area is about 363 square kilometers. According to a preliminary estimate, a maximum of about 80 wind turbines with a maximum height of 400 meters can be located in the area.

A condition for the Government's consent is that the applicant, the project promoter or the successor who has replaced him or her fulfils the conditions set out in the decision. The licensee should, inter alia, apply the general precautionary principle in its investigations in order to prevent and minimise damage.

The studies should also identify a technically, functionally and environmentally appropriate project area for the new offshore wind farm that makes the current or possible subsequent economic exploitation or other use of the Finnish exclusive economic zone or marine scientific research as difficult as possible.

The Government's decision can be enforced despite a possible appeal, unless otherwise ordered by the appellate authority.