Fortum and Helen's Pjelax Wind Farm Inaugurated

The Pjelax wind farm, Finland's third largest, was inaugurated on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. Located in the Närpiö and Kristiinankaupunki areas of western Finland, the 380-megawatt facility is a joint project between energy companies Fortum and Helen. Fortum owns 60% of the wind farm, while Helen holds 40%. Annual electricity production from the Pjelax wind farm is expected to exceed 1 terawatt-hour (TWh), accounting for approximately 5% of Finland's total wind power output. Helen will purchase about half of the farm's electricity production throughout its operational life. Fortum CEO Markus Rauramo stated that Pjelax doubles the company's operating wind power capacity and supports its strategy of providing clean electricity and advancing industrial decarbonization. Construction of the Pjelax wind farm began in January 2022 and was completed on schedule. The project involved collaboration with over 400 landowners, as well as numerous local businesses, organizations, and officials. The transport of wind turbines occurred via the port of Kaskinen, involving a total of 728 special transport operations. The regional economic impact, through municipal land rental and property tax revenues, is projected to be several million euros annually.