Fingrid identifies offshore wind connection possibilities

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.

The areas identified by Fingrid include Ulvila, Närpiö, Vaasa, Raahe, and Raisio. Also, the Inkoo area has been identified as a potential connection area if offshore wind power development becomes feasible in Finland’s southern sea areas.

The connection points were identified in a study initiated by Fingrid and the results were launched in late 2023, focusing on offshore wind power connection possibilities. The TSO is now looking to narrow down their findings through a consultation process.

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Fingrid has received inquiries regarding connections for up to 95GW of offshore wind power, and significant investments in the grid will be required to ensure sufficient connections.

According to Fingrid, additional investments of approximately EUR 0.6 billion ($0.65 billion) will be needed, over and above the EUR 4 billion ($4.3 billion) investment programme described in Fingrid’s main grid development plan in 2023.

These necessary investments would be located in Central Ostrobothnia, Southwest Finland, and Uusimaa, covering approximately 1000 km of new and reinforced 400 kV power lines.

The total installed capacity of offshore wind power is expected to reach 6.5GW by the end of the 2030s, corresponding to slightly over 30 TWh of annual production.

In the 2030s, it may also be possible to implement more offshore wind power connections than indicated and in areas other than those identified, if the growth in electricity consumption is greater than assumed in the study or new consumption facilities are located closer to offshore wind power connections.

Fingrid is consulting with stakeholders until 23 June and will use this feedback to define more precise connection points.