Finland’s Delay of Offshore Wind Power Construction Sparks Criticism and Concerns in the Wind Power Industry

The decision to delay the construction of offshore wind power in Finland’s economic zone has sparked criticism from some players in the wind power industry. The government has opted not to grant exclusive rights for the construction of offshore wind power in the region, despite receiving applications from 11 companies for 16 areas in the Gulf of Pohjanlahti.

This decision means that the areas will not be reserved for specific companies for a fixed period of time, which has raised concerns about how the process for selecting operators will be managed. The Ministry of Labor and Economy explained that this decision is aimed at clarifying the rules surrounding the construction of wind power in the economic zone. Currently, there is no regulation regarding taxation of wind power construction or how offshore wind power areas are divided.

The government is supportive of offshore wind power projects and aims to promote their construction in the Baltic Sea. However, it is important to consider the wider impact of such projects on areas like shipping. A new law on offshore wind power in the economic zone is being prepared by the Ministry of Labor and Economy, which aims to create rules for selecting operators for specific sea areas through a tendering process. Exclusive rights to use these areas will be decided through this process. The law is expected to enter into force by the end of this year, with potential offshore wind projects being selected in 2025 and becoming operational in early 2030s.

Finland’s utility company Wind Power and Swedish OX2 expressed concerns about delays caused by this decision, as well as Suomen Tuulivoimayhdistys (the Finnish Wind Power Association) highlighted its impact on offshore wind projects development. Overall, while this decision may cause some short-term inconvenience for some companies, it aligns with broader government goals and ensures a balanced approach to