Kemijoki Oy completes environmental impact assessment for Ailangantunturi project

Kemijoki Oy has submitted the environmental impact assessment (EIA) report for the Ailangantunturi pumped storage power plant and power line project in Kemijärvi to the Lapland ELY Centre. The report assesses the project's environmental impacts during construction, operation, and decommissioning, based on existing data and surveys.

The company investigated the project's potential effects on surface waters, fish stocks, soil, vegetation, birdlife, reindeer husbandry, traffic, noise, air quality, landscape, and local communities. The objective is to minimize adverse impacts on land use, residents, and the environment.

The EIA report aims to provide a basis for informed decision-making. The construction of the 550-megawatt pumped storage power plant and associated power line is expected to cause temporary, localized inconveniences during its four-year construction period, including increased traffic, noise, and vibrations. Impacts during operation are assessed to be significantly smaller.

The project is projected to bring economic benefits to the Kemijärvi region through job creation and tax revenues. The pumped storage plant would enhance Finland's electricity system's regulating capacity and enable further development of renewable energy. This could attract industrial investments and potentially lower electricity prices for consumers.