The Finnish government has designated four areas within Finland’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) for future offshore wind power projects and has outlined the framework for their competitive tendering.
The decision follows the enforcement of the Act on Offshore Wind Power in the Exclusive Economic Zone (937/2024), which began on 1 January 2025.
The four selected locations are ‘Selkämeri länsi’ (Bothnian Sea West), ‘Selkämeri itä’ (Bothnian Sea East), ‘Perämeri etelä’ (Bothnian Bay South), and ‘Perämeri pohjoinen’ (Bothnian Bay North).
Of these, Perämeri etelä will be opened for the first competitive tender, with the other three areas to follow.
The Finnish Energy Authority may launch the initial tender in the first half (H1) of 2027.
A developer will be selected for each site through a competitive process. The successful developer may then apply for an exploitation permit, which would allow it to conduct further studies and seek the necessary approvals.
The government noted that its offshore wind framework for the EEZ will not involve state support.
Development timelines for these projects are expected to be between 10 and 15 years, from selection at tender to electricity production.
Environmental assessments and Natura screenings have already been completed, with responsibility for more detailed impact reports falling to future developers.
Finland Minister of Climate and the Environment Sari Multala said: “Offshore wind power projects often take many years to develop. That’s why it is important to start preparing now, even though offshore wind power in Finland’s exclusive economic zone is not yet profitable on market terms.
“The wind conditions at sea are stable and offshore wind power will provide significantly more consistent electricity production than onshore wind power in the future.”
A new government decree sets out the requirements for selecting tender winners. Evaluations will be based equally on price and qualitative criteria, with each accounting for half of the overall assessment.
Developers must also provide tender and performance securities, with the amounts rising as projects progress.
The performance security will be released only upon completion if the project is carried out.
Alongside the tendering process, the government has proposed new provisions under the Water Act to govern the construction and decommissioning of offshore wind farms.
These proposals would introduce requirements for decommissioning security and apply certain technical and safety standards from the Construction Act, streamlining compliance through the water permit process.
The measures aim to strengthen legal certainty and predictability for developers. They also seek to ensure that decommissioning obligations fall to operators, in line with the polluter pays principle.
The proposed changes to the Water Act are scheduled to take effect in spring 2027.
