The Finnish government adopted a resolution on launching an auction procedure concerning offshore wind power sites located in the public water areas of Finland. The offshore wind power sites to be auctioned are located in public water areas governed by Metsähallitus in the regions of Ostrobothnia and North Ostrobothnia. The auction procedure will be launched in accordance with the model prepared in 2021.
Furthermore, Metsähallitus will select the project partners by competitive tendering, lease the site to the selected partner and sell the project rights concerning the development of the site, construction and production of renewable energy. The responsibility for the application for the necessary permits rests with the partner. The maximum lease term is 50 years. In two areas (Pyhäjoki/Raahe and Närpes) the auction procedure will begin by the end of 2023 and preparations will be made for the tendering procedures in three other areas (Siikajoki/Hailuoto, Raahe/Siikajoki and Kristinestad) in cooperation with municipalities. After the auctions, the government will decide on granting the actual use rights to project partners selected for each site.
Overall, the total surface area of the five offshore wind power sites to be included in the auction procedure is about 860 km² and their calculated maximum capacity is about 7,500 MW. The maximum number of wind turbines that can be built in the area is about 500. Reportedly, the investment value of one offshore wind farm is €3–4 billion. Revenue to the state will be generated from both leasing the sites and selling the project rights. The municipalities will benefit as well. They will collect real estate taxes on offshore wind power sites in the water areas, and the projects will also have significant employment effects.
