Juurakko
Project details
Location
Kalajoki, Finland
Capacity
13 MWp
Panels
24 000
Investment
~ 8.7 M€
Land area
20.4 ha
Phase
Production
Project description
Solarigo built Finland’s largest solar power park as part of the Juurakko hybrid park in 2022 – 2023. In Juurakko Hybrid Park, seven wind turbines and 24,000 solar panels produce renewable energy using the same electricity network infrastructure. VSB Uusiutuva Energia Suomi Oy was responsible for the construction of the wind turbines.
The project’s goal was to develop a hybrid park concept that could be replicated internationally. In addition to combining two different forms of production, the project included large-scale electricity storage, as well as testing bi-facial solar panels in industrial electricity production. The output of the hybrid park is directed directly to the primary electricity grid. The park’s solar energy is supplied to end users by Lumme Energia. The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment granted an energy subsidy of 2.6 million euros for the project.
Project progress
Q3-Q4/2021
Development
Solarigo and VSB Uusiutuva Energia Suomi Oy have started negotiations on a cooperation agreement to build a wind-solar hybrid park. The construction of the wind turbines began at the end of 2021 when Solarigo visited VSB in the area and identified the possible construction site for the solar park.
Q4/2021
Agreement
Solarigo Systems Oy and the wind power developer VSB Uusiutuva Energia Suomi Oy have signed an agreement to build Finland’s first industrial-scale wind-solar hybrid power park in Kalajoki. At the time the project was launched, there were only a few similar hybrid parks in the world.
Both the wind and solar parks utilize the same substation, Fingrid Oyj’s Kalajoki substation located in Jylkkä.
Q1/2022
Design and planning
Site preparation began in the spring of 2022, involving the construction and strengthening of roads, land transfer, and fencing of the solar park. Additionally, medium-voltage cabling was installed between the solar power plant and the wind turbine.
In the summer, cables were laid underground in the field of the solar power plant. The main components, such as solar panels, racks, and inverters, were delivered to the area for installation starting in the fall.
Q3/2022
Construction
The installation of power electronics at the Juurakko solar power park began in September 2022. In the photo, a transformer substation is being delivered to the site – an important step towards bringing the park into operation.
Q1/2023
Production
The production of the Juurako solar park commenced in February 2023, when the first inverters were activated.
Q3/2023
Opening ceremony
The opening of the Juurakko Solar Park was celebrated in August 2023. At the event, speeches were delivered, and the park was introduced to the guests.
Got questions about the project?
Contact our project development team – we’ll be happy to help.
Ville Vairinen
CTO
