Ilmatar seeks input on 4-GW wind project in Finland's Bothnian Sea

Finnish renewables company Ilmatar Energy Oy has initiated public consultation on the environmental impact assessment (EIA) for its Bothnia offshore wind project, seeking feedback on the proposal to install up to 4 GW of capacity in the central Bothnian Sea.

The project, spanning two sub-areas in the Finnish Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), was scaled down from its original size during the EIA process, Ilmatar said on Wednesday.

The company last year secured survey permits to explore close to 2,200 square kilometres (849.4 sq miles) across the Bothnia and Bothnia West sub-areas. Following the investigation, the total surface area was reduced to around 1,173 square kilometres, with the Bothnia site cut in half and Bothnia West shrinking by 40%.

“At this stage, we have chosen to proceed on areas with minimal overlap with other interests, such as shipping and fishing. We have also considered the depth conditions; the optimized project areas have a depth between 40 and 120 metres,” said Jori Sihvonen, Ilmatar’s offshore project manager for the EEZ.

Despite the reduction, Bothnia still has the potential to generate 4 GW, making it one of Finland’s largest offshore wind projects, Ilmatar said.

The Bothnia wind farm is planned to be situated more than 90 kilometres (55.9 miles) from the Swedish coast and more than 70 kilometres from the coast of Finland. The maximum number of turbines has been set at 270.

Public consultation is open until mid-June 2024.

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