Solarigo launches zoning process for Toholampi Hybrid Park – one of Finland’s most significant solar power and energy storage projects planned

Solarigo has submitted a zoning initiative for the Toholampi Hybrid Park. The planned approximately 250 MW project will be the largest in the company’s history to date and one of Finland’s most significant projects combining solar power and electricity storage.

A significant new energy project

The planned hybrid park will be located mainly on agricultural land and partly on peatland. If realised, the project would become the largest in Solarigo’s history and one of Finland’s most significant projects combining solar power and energy storage.

“Toholampi is a major step forward for us. The project combines large-scale solar power with energy storage and supports the development of the region’s energy infrastructure as a whole. At the same time, it strengthens Central Ostrobothnia’s position as an attractive destination for renewable energy investments”, says Tomi Rumpunen, Head of Project Development at Solarigo.

Supporting the development of the regional electricity grid

The progress of the hybrid park is supported by the planned substation in Ullava, which would enable the electricity produced in the area to be connected to the national grid. Energy storage, in turn, helps balance the electricity system and enables more efficient use of renewable energy.

The project is expected to bring investments and employment impacts to the region, particularly during the construction phase. The scale of these impacts will be specified as project planning progresses.

Nature surveys prioritised at an early stage

Extensive preliminary studies have been carried out as part of the project preparation, with a significant share focused on mapping the area’s natural values. The purpose of the surveys is to identify the characteristics of the area and take them into account in the planning process as early as possible.

Based on the current plans, no need for an environmental impact assessment procedure has been identified for the project.

Residents involved in the planning process

During the zoning process, a public event will be organised to present the project to local residents, landowners and other interested parties. The event will also provide an opportunity to gather views and feedback to support the further planning of the project.

“We want to engage in open dialogue with local stakeholders and ensure that the planning takes into account the area’s specific characteristics as well as the perspectives of different stakeholder groups. The zoning phase provides a good opportunity for this”, Rumpunen says.

The project’s impacts will be assessed in more detail as planning progresses, in cooperation with the municipality, authorities and other stakeholders.