OX2 has completed and submitted the environmental impact assessment (EIA) report for the Halla offshore wind project in Finland. According to the company, this is the first EIA for an offshore wind project in Finland’s exclusive economic zone.
The EIA procedure encompasses all key components of the Halla offshore wind farm, including its internal electricity transmission network, hydrogen pipelines, and offshore power stations. It also covers dredged material disposal sites, along with facilities for hydrogen production at sea.
Additionally, the assessment extends to submarine cables, a hydrogen pipeline connecting to the mainland, as well as onshore infrastructure for hydrogen storage and electricity transmission.
The EIA report was submitted to the Centre for Economic Development, Transport, and the Environment of Northern Finland on 24 January and is open for public comments and feedback from 12 February to 14 April.
OX2 began developing the Halla offshore wind project in 2021. The company received an exploration permit from the Finnish government in January 2022.
The project is located in the Gulf of Bothnia, in the Finnish exclusive economic zone outside Oulu and Raahe, approximately 35 kilometres from the coast. Halla covers an area of approximately 570 square kilometres.
According to investigations and assessments, no significant harmful effects on the environment have been detected in the area where the project is planned, said OX2. This is due to the sea depth in the project area and the large distance between the project and the coast.
The field surveys conducted, such as the species surveys, provide valuable basic information on Finland’s unexplored open sea areas, stated the company.
Wind measurements that have been ongoing for more than two years show that the wind conditions in the planned project area are good and suitable for offshore wind power production.
OX2 is also involved in the joint IceWind project, alongside VTT, Finland’s Meteorological Institute, Aalto University, and other offshore wind developers, to study ice conditions and their impact on offshore wind turbine foundations. The goal of IceWind is to develop foundation designs suitable for icy conditions.
The Halla offshore wind farm is planned to have up to 160 turbines, with a maximum capacity of 2,400 MW and an estimated annual electricity production of 12 TWh.
“Decentralised and diversified energy production is Finland’s strength. Offshore wind power can play an important role in achieving Finland’s carbon neutrality goal, strengthening energy self-sufficiency and, above all, enabling other investments related to the energy transition,” said Janne Lamberg , Business Director responsible for offshore wind power at OX2 Finland.
“The preliminary results of the EIA report for the Halla project confirm that we have the ability and expertise to develop responsible renewable energy solutions even under demanding conditions.”
OX2 has a total of three offshore wind projects in the Gulf of Bothnia, namely Halla, Laine, and Tyrsky. The EIA report for the Laine offshore wind farm is also expected to be completed during spring 2025.