ABO Energy Suomi Oy

Environmental Impact Assessment for the Iso-Petäjämäki Wind Power Project 

ABO Energy, Ecobio, and A-Insinöörit in Seamless Collaboration for Domestic Renewable Energy in Lapinlahti. 

ABO Energy is a family-owned German group whose operations are rooted in sustainability and renewable energy. In Finland, ABO Energy’s focus is onshore wind power, a category that also includes the Iso-Petäjämäki project in Lapinlahti. 

Sustainability is embedded in the group’s values both at the strategic level and in day-to-day operations. In fact, many employees have joined ABO Energy because of its values, says project manager Karoliina Oksanen. 

“People here share similar values, and working together is effortlessly smooth. We can confidently stand behind our decisions.” 

Ecobio as the EIA Provider 

Ecobio carried out the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the Iso-Petäjämäki project. A-Insinöörit is responsible for zoning and landscape and cultural environment studies. 

The project started at the end of 2022, and the EIA conducted by Ecobio was completed in 2023. According to Oksanen, the zoning process is progressing smoothly and is supported by the high-quality EIA. Collaboration among ABO Energy, Ecobio, and A-Insinöörit has been smooth throughout. 

“We’ve kept in touch regularly and openly, which is not always a given.” 

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) procedure starts with a plan that outlines how environmental impacts will be evaluated. This plan is known as the EIA programme. After that, specific studies are conducted, such as ecological surveys and noise and shadow flicker modelling, followed by an overall assessment of the project’s environmental impacts. These findings are compiled into an EIA report. The project was also presented to the public twice, encouraging stakeholder feedback and participation. 

In the Iso-Petäjämäki project, Ecobio was responsible for managing the entire EIA procedure. Additionally, Ecobio conducted bird surveys and delivered presentations at public hearings. 

“A distinctive feature of this project was the large population of forest grouse species in the area and the presence of the Natura-designated Hukkasuo site, which lies within the project area,” explains Masi Mailammi from Ecobio. 

Authorities review the EIA report and issue a reasoned conclusion on the project’s environmental impacts. The Iso-Petäjämäki EIA has received a green light from the ELY Centre (Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment). 

Moving Forward with Nature and the Local Community in Mind 

As a result of the environmental impact assessment, the number of wind turbines was reduced from the original 17 to either 13 or 11. Oksanen sees this not as a setback, but as a sign of responsible development. 

“We still have a good number of turbines, and we know the environmental impacts have been thoroughly considered. That gives us confidence to proceed.” 

Oksanen especially praises Ecobio’s field team for their positive and respectful attitude toward local residents. Large-scale nature-impact projects often raise concerns, but fears and worries were eased through dialogue. 

“Local engagement has been respectful, and communication has been clear. A special thank-you for the way even the more challenging public events were handled with professionalism and a human touch.” 

The project was also a success from Ecobio’s point of view, Mailammi adds. 

“We’re left with a good feeling from the Iso-Petäjämäki project. The assessments were carried out to a high standard and was approved by the ELY Centre. We also met a tight schedule all the way through, which is always a positive in a project of this scale.”