Nordic energy company Ilmatar has begun power production from Alajärvi, a hybrid wind project located in Alajärvi, South Ostrobothnia, western Finland.
At present, eight turbines generating 48MW have been installed at the wind farm.
By the end of this year, the project is expected to attain a capacity of 220MW, powered by 36 turbines.
Ilmatar also plans to extend the hybrid project with a 150MW solar farm and 25MW of battery storage. When complete, the total capacity of the project will be 370MW.
Considered to be one of its kind in the country and in Europe, the Alajärvi wind farm has been connected to the Finnish grid and has been supplying electricity since last month.
Ilmatar construction director Petri Ainonen said: “In Alajärvi, our intention is to have all the wind turbines ready by the end of October and in full production by the end of the year.
“Meanwhile, we are preparing for the construction of the Alajärvi hybrid farm, as well as the solar farm and the battery storage entity, during 2024–25. The hybrid entity will help Finland achieve self-sufficiency, security of supply and electricity needs starting in 2026.”
Once complete, the Finnish hybrid project will generate enough clean energy to power up to 370,000 one-bedroom apartments in the country.
The battery storage system will offer balancing power, supplying electricity to the national grid when there is high demand or the market situation is optimal.
Ilmatar has secured €19.5m ($21.25m) in EU Recovery and Resilience Facility funding from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment.
Overall, the hybrid project is expected to bolster the country’s energy self-sufficiency.
It will help cut greenhouse gas emissions in the country as well as lower technological and financial risks tied to renewable energy and new energy technologies, stated the energy company.
