Callio

Project

Solarigo

Project details

Location
Pyhäjärvi, Finland

Capacity
13 MWp

Panels
22 800

Investment
~M€

Land area
15 ha

Phase
Production

Project description

Solarigo Systems Oy was responsible for the full implementation of the 13 MWp Callio solar park in Pyhäjärvi, Finland. The park was built as a floating installation on a decommissioned mine tailings pond – an area unsuitable for vegetation or heavy structures – making it a well-suited location for solar power production.

The Callio solar park is part of the wider Callio-Hitura initiative. What originally began as a single 75 MW solar project has since been divided into two separate projects: Callio, which has already been completed, and Hitura, which is still under evaluation.

The objective of the project is to create a scalable concept for converting former mining areas in the Nordic countries into renewable energy production sites. In addition, a total of 7.5 MW of battery storage will be constructed alongside the solar parks to further enhance the flexibility and reliability of the energy system.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment has granted the project a Next Generations EU grant of 12.1 million euros to implement the project.

The project is implemented in cooperation with Skarta Energy and Lumme Energia. The project company, Callio-Hitura Solarpark Oy, has been established for this project.

Project progress

Q1/2021

Development

The project was launched in close collaboration with the City of Pyhäjärvi, Pyhäsalmi Mine Oy, and the Callio Energy Park initiative, as well as with the City of Nivala and the owner of the Hitura mine site.

In both Callio and Hitura, the planning focused on repurposing decommissioned mine tailings ponds. These former industrial sites are unsuitable for conventional construction but offer ideal conditions for lightweight structures, such as solar power plants, turning unused land into sources of clean, renewable energy.

Q2/2022

Design

The exact technical planning of the Callio and Hitura solar parks began in April 2022. Additionally, the preparation and approval of the permit processes for the solar parks have begun.

Q4/2022

NextGeneration EU

The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment supported the project by granting 12.1 million euros of NextGeneration EU support, as outlined in the EU’s recovery and resilience plan, to the project company Callio-Hitura Solarpark Oy.

Q4/2023

Building permit for Callio

Callio, more specifically Callio Energy Park, I received a building permit in December 2023. The picture is an illustrative picture of the solar park.

Q2/2024

Callio’s construction

The construction of the Callio solar power plant’s foundations began in April 2024, and panel installation commenced in June 2024.

Solarigo Systems Oy is responsible for the construction of the Callio solar power plant.

Q3/2024

Panel installations complete in Callio

The solar panel installations were completed on schedule six months after the construction of the PV plant began.

Q2/2025

Commissioning

Callio Solar Power Park received a commissioning permit in June 2024.

Q3/2025

Opening ceremony

The opening ceremony of the Callio solar park was celebrated on September 2 in a warm and festive atmosphere. The event was organized together with the City of Pyhäjärvi and Skarta, and it gathered a wide range of guests eager to explore the new solar park. Attendees enjoyed delicious soup and traditional coffee with pastries, while being introduced to the park and engaging in discussions about the role of renewable energy for the region and its future.