The Skarta project in Utajärvi is moving forward
The Utajärvi solar power plant project was granted a planning permission in August, and now the first phase of the project has also been approved. The permit means that construction work on Finland's largest solar power plant in Utajärvi can start when necessary.
In August, both Skarta and the municipality of Utajärvi were also awarded European Union Horizon funding for clean energy transition to explore smart grid solutions for energy distribution as part of the GLocalFlex project coordinated by VTT.
In March 2021, the Utajärvi municipal government approved a memorandum of understanding for cooperation to develop the self-sufficiency of the Utajärvi industrial area through solar and wind power and to produce a hydrogen refuelling station for transport as a future propulsion system. In November 2021, Skarta acquired more than 100 hectares of disused peat bog land for a solar power plant and launched plans to build a solar farm. The first phase of the project has now also been granted an operating permit. When completed, the whole project will generate around 200 000 MWh of electricity, enough to meet the consumption needs of an average of 40 000 people. This is a significant figure for a municipality of around 2,600 inhabitants.
The solar power plant is part of the Vierivoima project of Skarta in Utajärvi. The project also includes a wind farm and, in the near future, a hydrogen production, storage and distribution station. This Vierivoima complex will produce renewable energy for an adjacent business and industrial area of over 300 hectares, which will become self-sufficient—Finland's first eco-industrial area.
"Utajärvi is being developed into a resource-wise municipality, which means in practice using resources such as natural resources, raw materials and energy in an environmentally sustainable way that promotes human well-being. Energy is also at the heart of the HINKU network, of which Utajärvi is a member. The measures in the municipality's strategy define that Utajärvi makes energy from the sun, wind, water and hydrogen, and the Vierivoima concept plays an important role in this. Utajärvi is determinedly moving towards carbon neutrality and is pioneering work with Skarta to achieve its goals," says Anne Sormunen, Mayor of Utajärvi municipality.
"In the current energy transition, Skarta's rolling power is an important piece of the puzzle for both the municipalities and the industry there. Through the local smart grid solution, emission-free energy can be distributed to customers at a low transmission fee. This will significantly improve the competitiveness of industry and bring cost savings to the public sector," says Kari Tuominen, CEO of Skarta Energy Oy.
Read more about Utajärvi's strategy and actions for improving carbon neutrality and the vitality of the municipality (in Finnish):
https://skarta.fi/referenssi/voima-loytyy-vierelta-utajarvi-voimistuu-skartan-vierivoimalla/
