Report on Study Visit in a wind farm in Kauhajoki, Finland
The summative report of the Activity A3.4 has been published!
The A3.4 Study visit in Finland took place on October 1st and 2nd 2024. The study visit was at the “Vöyrinkangas” onshore wind farm, located in the city of Kauhajoki and shared with partners the regional planning approach to wind farm design and site selection. In the site visit, partners developed capacities on how to integrate environmental considerations into wind farms sitting plans, such as proximity to natural reserves and cultural sites, biodiversity sensitivity, and land erosion estimates, ensuring also alignment with spatial plans.
After the study visit in Finland, the partners were asked to send feedback concerning the visit, namely :
- Each partner to identify the most insightful points, concerning the integration of environmental considerations into wind farms sitting plans
- Each partner to find similarities between the approach in Finland / Kauhajoki and their own region, if applicable. They were asked to indicate such similarities.
- Each partner to define the key learnings from the presentations, discussions and the site visit.
- Document similar success stories of well-developed wind energy projects in their region?
- Additional comments or learnings they would like to provide.
The report includes a short summary of the answers from all partners. Challenges and development opportunities in wind energy projects vary across regions, with social opposition being a significant barrier, particularly in certain documented regions. The protection of sensitive ecosystems and species in wind farm planning was emphasized in the report. It was also stressed that ensuring flexibility in project design and addressing local needs is essential for smooth implementation and community support.
Collaboration, technological advancements, and stakeholder engagement are key factors in the sustainable development of wind energy but also advancing social acceptance.
Read the summative report here !