Ailangantunturi Pumped Storage Project Advances in Permitting Process
Kemijoki Oy's Ailangantunturi Pumped Storage Power Plant project has completed its environmental impact assessment. The project's permit applications have moved to the next stage.
The Ailangantunturi Pumped Storage Power Plant project, developed by Kemijoki Oy, has achieved significant milestones as it moves toward permit decisions. The company announced that the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) procedure has concluded with a reasoned conclusion on the EIA report, the public consultation required for EU Projects of Common Interest (PCI) status has ended, and the project's permitting process is proceeding as planned.
The final stage of the EIA process, the "Reasoned Conclusion" from the supervisory authority, was issued in July 2026. According to this conclusion, the EIA report meets the legal content requirements and is considered sufficient in quality. The two-year EIA process involved assessments of the project's impacts on water bodies, nature, and people, while also facilitating dialogue with stakeholders.
The public consultation concerning the project's PCI status took place between June and July 2026. During this period, citizens, organizations, and stakeholders shared their views on the project's significance for the Finnish and European energy systems.
In May 2026, Kemijoki Oy submitted applications for environmental, water, and transmission line permits to the relevant authorities. The environmental impacts identified during the EIA process, along with feedback from stakeholders, form the basis for the mitigation measures presented in the applications. Petri Vihavainen, Project Director, stated that the permit applications present the best possible concrete solutions for minimizing environmental impacts.
The Ailangantunturi pumped storage project is one of Finland's largest energy storage initiatives. It is expected to enhance the electricity system's flexibility, increase opportunities for integrating renewable energy, and improve security of supply. The project has been granted PCI status by the European Commission, recognizing its importance for Europe's energy security, self-sufficiency, and clean transition goals.