Ilmatar Developing Two Major Solar Power Projects Planned in Finland

Ilmatar is developing two industrial-scale solar power projects in the municipality of Joroinen, Finland. With a total rated capacity of up to 230 MWp, the parks will produce the electricity for up to 46,000 one-bedroom apartments.

Ilmatar, a company that builds, owns and manages renewable energy projects, is developing industrial-scale solar power production in Huutokoski and Vuotsinsuo, located in the municipality of Joroinen, Eastern Finland. The areas will generate electricity with a total rated capacity of 230 megawatts to the Finnish main grid as early as 2025, if the process progresses according to plan.

– In addition to wind power, Ilmatar is now focusing its strategy strongly on developing the production of solar power. We have already finished our first solar farm in Joroinen, which brought us a wealth of experience, says Erkka Saario, Ilmatar’s VP of Projects.

The Huutokoski project area is located close to a reserve power station in a forest management area in two separate locations, northwest of the municipal centre of Joroinen. The total area of the two sites is slightly more than 80 hectares.

The Vuotsinsuo area is located on a former peat production site, south of the municipal centre in an area that totals approximately 200 hectares.

– Ilmatar did an excellent job with the first solar farm in Joroinen. The municipality is very happy that Ilmatar sees potential in Joroinen for industrial-scale investments. The municipality and its decision-makers want to do everything they can to help Finland achieve energy self-sufficiency. On the other hand, we also want to take part in unlocking the future green energy potential of our region, explains Jaakko Kuronen, mayor of Joroinen.

The production of solar power has a major impact on the municipal economy in terms of tax income. Renewable energy projects also contribute to the national economy quite significantly, as discovered in a report commissioned by Ilmatar earlier this year.

The solar farms operating at up to 230 MWp of total rated capacity produce a total of 230 gigawatt hours of electricity per year, equalling the consumption needs of 46,000 one-bedroom apartments or 12,000 electrically heated houses. The solar farms in Huutokoski and Vuotsinsuo have a rated capacity of 55–70 MWp and 160 MWp, respectively.

The new Joroinen solar power projects are managed by Elviira Ritari of Ilmatar.

– Our goal is to have the required permits ready by autumn so that we can begin construction in 2024. As a builder, we always prefer local Finnish companies and entrepreneurs where possible. We want to be present in Joroinen and bring a positive influence the local community.