1. Fingrid has identified five potential connection areas for offshore wind parks along Finland’s west coast by the 2030s.
2. The TSO is considering additional investments of EUR 0.6 billion to accommodate connections for up to 95GW of offshore wind power.
3. Fingrid is consulting with stakeholders to narrow down the findings and define more precise connection points based on feedback received by 23 June.
Finland’s transmission system operator, Fingrid, has identified five areas along the west coast where offshore wind parks could be connected to the grid by the 2030s, including Ulvila, Närpiö, Vaasa, Raahe, and Raisio. Additionally, the Inkoo area has been identified as a potential connection area if offshore wind power development expands in Finland’s southern sea areas. Fingrid initiated a study to identify these connection points, with results released in 2023, and is now seeking feedback through a consultation process to narrow down their findings.
Fingrid has received inquiries for connections totaling up to 95GW of offshore wind power, necessitating significant investments in the grid infrastructure. Additional investments of about EUR 0.6 billion will be required on top of the EUR 4 billion investment program outlined in Fingrid’s main grid development plan in 2023. These investments will focus on Central Ostrobothnia, Southwest Finland, and Uusimaa, covering around 1000 km of new and reinforced 400 kV power lines. The total installed capacity of offshore wind power is projected to reach 6.5GW by the end of the 2030s, generating slightly over 30 TWh of annual production.
In addition to the identified connection points, Fingrid is exploring the possibility of implementing more offshore wind power connections in different areas or exceeding the projected capacity if electricity consumption growth is higher than expected. Stakeholder feedback is being collected until 23 June to refine the connection points further.