Kemijoki Oy's Ailangantunturi pumped storage project advances – EIA programme public display

Kemijoki Oy has advanced its Ailangantunturi pumped storage power plant and power line project by submitting the environmental impact assessment (EIA) programme to the Lapland Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY Centre). The project involves constructing an upper storage lake on Ailangantunturi fell, dredging an artificial lower reservoir in Kuusilahti bay of Lake Kemijärvi, and building tunnels, underground facilities, and a 400-kilovolt power line to Fingrid's Pirttikoski substation.

The EIA programme outlines how the project's environmental impacts will be assessed during construction and operation. Kemijoki Oy is hosting a public event in Kemijärvi on May 28 to present the project and the EIA programme. Written statements on the programme can be submitted to the Lapland ELY Centre until June 14.

The project is currently in preliminary planning, with the 550-megawatt pumped storage plant potentially operational by 2032. Its purpose is to balance Finland's electricity system by acting as a hydroelectric battery. The project aims to support the energy transition and regional economy, with efforts made to minimize environmental effects through cooperation with authorities and stakeholders. Kemijoki Oy is also exploring other similar pumped storage projects within the Kemijoki river basin.