OX2, a leading Nordic developer in onshore wind power, and Metsähallitus, the steward of Finnish state-owned lands and water, have agreed on the launch of a wind power project in Rustari, Kurikka, South Ostrobothnia. Under the agreement, OX2 is buying the project rights for the construction of nine wind turbines from Metsähallitus.
The total capacity of the Rustari project wind farm will be 45 MW and the maximum height of the turbines will be 230 metres. The start of construction work is intended for 2021. The wind farm will be built to the southwest of the village of Jalasjärvi in the municipality of Kurikka. The landowners on the future construction site are Metsähallitus and private individuals.
Teemu Loikkanen, regional manager Finland and the Baltics at OX2, says, “The Rustari wind power project strengthens our short-term portfolio, and we’re aiming to start construction as soon as possible. Rustari is a fine example of an ideal wind power project. It’s far away from any residential areas, in a windy area where the road and electrical infrastructure is already in place. The municipal administration of Kurikka is also very positive about building the wind farm.”
Pertti Tapio, project director for wind power business at Metsähallitus, says, “The role of Metsähallitus is to develop wind power projects for the construction stage. That means seeking out suitable sites for wind power and developing them in cooperation with local government and stakeholders. We tender and sell project rights as well as lease sites for wind power projects.”
Tapio continues, “Of the wind power capacity built in Finland by the start of 2019, Metsähallitus was involved in more than 10% of the development projects. Our goal is to multiply the wind power capacity erected on state-owned land by 2030.”
The project has planning permission under the area’s general plan, allowing nine wind turbines to be built. OX2 has agreed with the network operator Caruna on connecting the project to the Caruna´s grid.
OX2 also manages another wind power project in Kurikka municipality, Ponsivuori. Both projects are estimated to yield a total €13.5 million in property tax for the municipality during lifetime of the wind farms.
For further information, please contact:
- Teemu Loikkanen, Regional Manager Finland and the Baltics, OX2, tel. +358 50 373 6243, teemu.loikkanen@ox2.com
- Pertti Tapio, Project Director, Wind Power Business, Metsähallitus, tel. +358 40 510 5302, pertti.tapio@metsa.fi