Finland-based energy companies Fortum and Helen have inaugurated the 380MW Pjelax wind farm in the west of the country.

Pjelax, located in the Närpiö and Kristiinankaupunki areas, is set to produce more than 1TWh of wind power annually – 5% of Finland's total wind power production.

The 56-turbine wind farm is a joint venture between Helen, which owns 40%, and Fortum, which owns 60%.

Helen has agreed to purchase 50% of the wind farm's electricity output for its entire operational lifespan.

Fortum president and CEO Markus Rauramo stated: “With 380MW, Pjelax will double the wind power capacity operated by Fortum. Wind power plays an important role alongside the rest of our emission-free power generation.

“In line with our strategy, we provide clean electricity in the Nordic countries and help in electrifying industry to reduce its emissions. Pjelax is a prime example of how Fortum helps its customers reduce their carbon dioxide emissions.”

Helen CEO Olli Sirkka stated: “The Pjelax wind farm is a significant joint effort by Helen and Fortum to increase renewable electricity production. Wind power generation creates a competitive advantage for Finland.

“Increasing the supply lowers customers’ electricity prices and enables investments based on the consumption of clean electricity.”

Construction of the wind farm began in January 2022, following an order placed with Nordex, a German wind turbine manufacturer.

The project was completed on time, with Suvic Oy and Simons Infra Oy responsible for the infrastructure construction work and earthworks.

The turbines were transported to the site through the port of Kaskinen via 728 special transport operations.

The wind farm's regional economic impact will be significant, with municipal land rental income and property tax revenue expected to generate millions of euros annually.