Kristiinankaupunki’s Planning Department has unanimously approved Ilmatar’s initiative to start planning for Västervik 2 wind farm project. With a total of 27 wind turbines, the project will have a significant regional economic impact, both locally and provincially. The new Västervik 2 project includes 18 new wind turbines with a nominal capacity of up to 180 MW.

Ilmatar is now developing a total of up to 27 wind turbines in Västervik and Västervik 2 projects. Ilmatar is already building a nine-turbine wind farm in the Ostrobothnian town, which is due for completion by the end of this year. The planning and environmental impact assessment of the expansion project will determine what the final shape of this complex.

"We see this decision as a sign of confidence and smooth cooperation. The wind farm areas will form an important part in the development and production of Finland’s renewable energy. I cannot fail to underline the regional economic impact of this package, the first phase of which will soon be completed. Ilmatar always strives to further develop the renewable energy projects it owns, so that the ready built electricity transmission line serves the broadest and most diverse energy production project possible", says Jussi Mäkinen, Head of Project Development, Finland at Ilmatar.

In line with its strategy, Ilmatar builds Västervik project under its own ownership for the entire life of the project, which will last for several decades. The total power output of the first phase of Västervik under construction is 56 MW and the total power output of the expansion phase, which is now being planned, is estimated at 120-180 MW.

"The Västervik 2 project will be well supported by the Västervik wind farm already under construction, and together the two wind farms, with a maximum of 27 turbines, will form a significant entity. Developing a new wind farm next to an existing one brings synergy benefits, for example in terms of material efficiency, as the shared infrastructures of the farms will serve the whole entity. There is significant synergy in terms of environmental values, as the areas are close to each other there is no need for separate connection lines to the electricity grid, for example", says Helena Arola, Project Development Manager.

Ilmatar has received strong support for Västervik projects from landowners in the area, and the projects have attracted many local landlords.

"I think this is yet another demonstration of Ilmatar’s ability to develop and build its projects with a long-term perspective. Ilmatar and the previous project developer have been working on this wind farm project since 2012. This means that we are very familiar with the specific characteristics of the area, which is supported by extensive older and more recent studies", emphasizes Mäkinen.

Ilmatar will carry out new, comprehensive terrain surveys in 2024. In addition, the environmental impact assessment procedure will be launched in parallel with the planning procedure, and several public hearing events open to all will be organized when the work progresses.

The Västervik expansion project will bring huge benefits to the regional economy, for example, it is estimated to generate more than €200 million in direct and indirect taxes for Finland over the life of the project, and the total impact on employment will be more than 1,000 full-time equivalents (FTE) over the life of the park, including indirect effects.