Metsähallitus is a state-owned company that manages one-third of Finland’s land and water areas. The Finnish entity has announced that the onshore and offshore nature surveys needed for the environmental impact assessment (EIA) of the Korsnäs offshore wind farm will start in the spring. Wind measurements will also continue on Bergö Island in Maalahti.
In April, as soon as the snow and ice have completely melted, Metsähallitus will begin probing the seabed. Seabed topography will be surveyed to determine the location of the offshore wind farm power transmission cable and the feasibility of seabed construction.
Fish population surveys will continue in April and May. Bird migration routes will be mapped in May. In addition, numbers and species of birds resting in the area of the proposed offshore wind farm and on the coast during spring migration will be counted. Marine and shoreline vegetation surveys will be conducted during the summer.
The 174.5 m high measuring mast at Bergö was installed by crane and helicopter. Wind measurements will be conducted using the Sodar device, a measurement technology based on the propagation of sound waves in the air. However, the sodar will be removed in April because in an open area the device is disturbing nearby residents.
Korsnäs offshore wind project
Once completed, the Korsnäs offshore wind project will generate about 5,000 GWh of energy per year, which is equivalent to about half of Finland’s wind energy production by the end of 2021.
Metsähallitus is currently looking for a partner to build 70-100 wind turbines that it will operate as a power producer. The total nominal capacity of the park will be about 1300 MW. Each offshore wind turbine would have a capacity of 12-20 MW.
