Ailangantunturi pumped storage power plant EIA to continue with resident survey

Kemijoki Oy is proceeding with the pre-planning phase for the Ailangantunturi pumped storage power plant project, assessing the economic, social, and environmental impacts of proposed power plant and power line options in the Kemijärvi region. A key component of this phase is a resident survey to understand current land use and gather insights on potential project effects.

The environmental impact assessment (EIA) program includes a comprehensive review of various aspects. These cover impacts on surface and groundwater, soil, bedrock, fish stocks and fishing, vegetation, wildlife, natural assets, conservation areas, reindeer husbandry, climate, air quality, and urban structure. The survey is open to all potentially affected parties.

"We received significant feedback on the EIA program for Finland's first pumped storage power plant earlier this summer. Each response to the resident survey is valuable for the planning and development of the Ailangantunturi project," stated Erkki Huttula, Environmental Manager at Kemijoki Oy.

The survey results will be incorporated into the final EIA report, expected in summer 2025. Kemijoki Oy will also host a public event in Kemijärvi in January 2025 to present the findings of the ongoing natural resource inventories and other assessments. The EIA procedure is scheduled for completion in early summer 2025, providing a basis for future permitting.

The Ailangantunturi pumped storage power plant, potentially operational by 2032, aims to serve as an energy storage solution to help balance Finland's electricity supply.