Building permit for Skarta Energy’s Harjavalta solar park

A building permit has been granted for Skarta Energy’s Pyykkialho solar power plant project in Harjavalta. The maximum output of the planned solar power plant is approximately 64 MWp in total. This corresponds to the annual electricity consumption of a total of approximately 3,250 detached houses. Construction could begin in autumn 2025.

The construction of the solar power plant is planned in the approximately 75-hectare Pyykkialho area. The power plant would be located next to the Sievari industrial area, a few kilometres west of the centre of Harjavalta. The project area is located on land owned by several landowners. Negotiations with landowners began in late 2023 and agreements were reached in spring 2024. Now a building permit has also been obtained for the project.

Smooth cooperation is a significant factor in the rapid progress of the project. For landowners, solar power offers long-term, effortless and responsible returns.

"The negotiations have been progressed at a very fast pace and with good cooperation with landowners. In such cases, where there are several negotiating parties, the importance of cooperation is emphasised. In Harjavalta, the negotiations proceeded very smoothly from start to finish," says Tuomo Vartiainen, Key Account & Analyse Manager, Skarta Energy.

There is a large transmission line running in the area, so there is no need to build new transmission lines for the solar power plant.

"Solar power is one of the lowest-emission and fastest ways to increase the production of renewable electricity. A land area like this, where the existing electricity infrastructure is ready, the surface is flat and treeless, and the sunshine is good, is an excellent fit for solar power production," says Tuomo Vartiainen, summing up the benefits of Harjavalta Pyykkialho.

Next, the project will proceed to implementation planning and further towards an investment decision.

"During the spring, we will start implementation planning. If everything goes well and the project is granted a final investment decision, construction could begin in autumn 2025. In this case, electricity production at the Harjavalta solar park would begin in spring 2027," says Simo Rintakari, Project Manager at Skarta Energy.