Our Pumped Hydroelectric Energy Storage (PHES) Project in the Kemijärvi Area
We are exploring the possibility of building a pumped-storage power station in the Kemijärvi area
We are exploring the possibility of building a pumped-storage power station in the Kemijärvi area as part of our PUHTI project. Pumped-storage power stations, familiar from mountainous regions in Norway and Austria, focus on electricity storage. The project would address Finland’s significant need not only to produce electricity consistently but also to store it for long periods. This ensures the availability of electricity for Finns and a stable operating environment for Finnish industries.
Ensuring Electricity Availability in Finland
We are planning a pumped-storage power station with a capacity of approximately 500 megawatts (MW) in Kemijärvi, Northern Finland, which would enable electricity storage for up to a week. The purpose of the plant is to balance and ensure electricity production. The operating principle is based on utilising the height difference. When there is an abundance of electricity, water would be pumped from Lake Kemijärvi to an upper storage reservoir. When there is a shortage of electricity, water would be released from the storage reservoir through a turbine back to Lake Kemijärvi. This way, a significant amount of additional capacity can be efficiently added to the electricity system when it is most needed.
Location: Askanaapa Area in Kemijärvi, Northern Finland
The pumped-storage power station would be located about five kilometers West of Askanselkä in Kemijärvi, in the Askanaapa area, which is currently used for forestry. The area is small and naturally bowl-shaped. The storage reservoir would be formed by damming areas between hills, minimizing environmental changes. The planned storage reservoir would cover an area of about 300 hectares, slightly less than half the size of Rovaniemi Airport or about half the size of Lake Tuusula.
Progress of the PUHTI Project
Our PUHTI project is progressing as planned in its initial phase. During the summer of 2024, no visible actions were taken in the project area that would have affected the daily lives of locals or summer residents. We have had important discussions with several stakeholders affected by the project, and these discussions will continue. We will take the feedback we receive into account as we explore the best possible solutions for the project.
We are also conducting a preliminary water modeling of Askanselkä in Lake Kemijärvi and preparing for terrain studies and the environmental impact assessment. We aim to start the environmental impact assessment in 2025. After that, the project permits and technical planning would follow. Construction could begin after obtaining the permits, with the goal of having the pumped storage power station operational in the 2030s.
Investments in Electricity Production Needed
Electricity consumption is expected to double over the next 15 years as society becomes more electrified. This requires investments in electricity production, balancing power and storage solutions needed for the electricity system. Pumped-storage power stations are very well suited for storage solutions.
Strengthening Regional and National Competitiveness
Our pumped-storage power station, utilising existing, proven technology, would strengthen the competitiveness of the Kemijärvi region, Lapland, and all of Finland. It would bring jobs to various phases of our PUHTI project and property tax revenue to the municipality.
Promoting a Clean Transition
Pumped-storage power stations enable investments in a clean transition, such as the hydrogen economy, increasing wind and solar power, and electrifying industries.
Environmental Impact Assessment
We are committed to comprehensive environmental impact assessments. We believe that through these assessments, we will find the best possible ways to operate and ensure the realisation of environmental values.
Facts about the Project
Type of plant: Pumped-storage power station
Capacity: approx. 500 megawatts (MW)
Location: Askanaapa, Kemijärvi, Northern Finland
Storage reservoir size: 300 hectares
Drop height: up to 150 meters
Energy storage for up to a week
Close dialogue and cooperation are extremely important to us in the PUHTI project. At different stages, we need various skills, expertise, and perspectives. The team also brings energy! In this series of articles, we ask for updates from people involved in the work or affected by the project in some way.
Markus Pyykönen, Project Manager
What is your role in the project?
I am the project manager of the PUHTI project, and my current tasks include communication and stakeholder meetings, preparing the EIA program, planning the base and geophysical studies of the project area, water modeling of Askanselkä, and promoting the smooth progress of the project. I am excited! It is great to be part of a project that promotes the balance of electricity markets and increases backup power capacity. The positive impacts of the project on society make my work particularly meaningful.
Jani Pulli, CEO, PVO-Vesivoima Oy
What is your role in the project?
I have the pleasure of being the main responsible person for the PUHTI project. My feelings are very positive, as our project would ensure the availability of electricity and a stable energy environment for all Finns, as well as vitality directly and indirectly for the local area.
Veli-Matti Hämäläinen, Maintenance Specialist, PVO-Vesivoima Oy
What is your role in the project?
I act as the contact person for land acquisition and land lease agreements for the PUHTI project. I am looking forward to the results of the terrain studies to be conducted later, as they will allow us to continue discussions and make the next decisions. The environmental impact assessment of the project will also be carried out very thoroughly. Time will tell how the project progresses, so my feelings are expectant.
Antti-Pekka Sipola, Operations Manager, PVO-Vesivoima Oy
What is your role in the project?
I have been involved in starting the PUHTI project and am currently investigating the conditions under which a pumped storage power plant could be built in Kemijärvi. The project is at an exciting stage, and I am looking forward to seeing how it develops. If the project is realized, it will be our company’s largest construction project since the construction of hydropower plants – a historic moment for all of us.
Questions? It is extremely important for us to have close dialogue with all stakeholders from the beginning. We want to find solutions for our project that are the best possible for everyone.
Jani Pulli
Managing Director
PVO-Vesivoima Oy
tel. +358 50 386 2680, jani.pulli@pvo.fi
Riitta Larnimaa
Executive Officer, Public Relations and Sustainability
Pohjolan Voima Oyj
tel. +358 50 438 2466, riitta.larnimaa@pvo.fi