Energy company Alpiq is acquiring the Pysäysperä battery storage project in North Ostrobothnia, Finland. The project has been developed by Pohjan Voima.

The Swiss energy company Alpiq and Pohjan Voima have today agreed on the acquisition of the Pysäysperä battery energy storage system (BESS) project. Located in Haapajärvi, the project has a nominal capacity of 125 MW and is the largest BESS project announced in Finland. Operations are set to commence in 2027.

“The BESS project in Haapajärvi fits perfectly into our portfolio and our growth strategy in flexible assets in our core geographic markets,” says Lukas Gresnigt, Head Business Division International and member of Alpiq’s Executive Board. “It is a further commitment to strengthening security of supply and a better climate and enables the energy transition by reliably integrating intermittent renewable energy sources like wind and solar into the energy system while contributing to grid stability.”

Alpiq already has a 30 MW BESS project under construction in Valkeakoski, Finland. In spring 2024, the company acquired a majority stake in P2X Solutions, a Finnish company that develops green hydrogen.

“This is a great example of the type of green transition investment that Finland needs. Electricity storage capacity is essential as the energy system is being developed toward net zero,” says Juho Rönni, Director at Pohjan Voima.

The location of the Pysäysperä project in Haapajärvi is ideal for the grid, considering where renewable energy is produced and electricity is consumed in Finland. It optimally supports the operation of the grid.

“Location plays a critical role in electricity storage. From the point of view of the national grid, there are not many equally attractive locations in Finland,” Rönni notes.

According to Rönni, it is central for BESS projects that the construction phase and connection to the grid are completed within a short timeframe. Pohjan Voima has aimed to enable the Pysäysperä battery facility to start operating as swiftly as possible. To achieve this, Pohjan Voima signed a grid connection agreement with Fingrid back in December.

“We have also conducted extensive preparatory work for the construction phase. I would like to thank the city of Haapajärvi for their outstanding cooperation during the project preparation and permitting processes.”

The goal is to start construction this year. The battery storage system is scheduled to be operational in 2027.

“The Pohjan Voima team has done an excellent job. They have developed the project from concept to completion in just over a year,” says CEO Per-Erik Eriksson from Arise.

Pohjan Voima and the Swedish company Arise are working closely together to develop wind and solar parks and electricity storage facilities. Arise, a renewable energy company listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange, owns a majority stake in Pohjan Voima.

“We will continue to develop BESS projects across all our market areas, including Finland. Their significance will grow as the amount of wind and solar electricity rises.”

Contact

Juho Rönni
Director, Pohjan Voima
040 824 8780
juho.ronni@pohjanvoima.fi

 

Alpiq

Alpiq is a leading Swiss electricity producer and energy services provider operating throughout Europe. The company offers its customers comprehensive and efficient services in the areas of energy production, marketing, and energy optimization. Alpiq’s mission is to work together for a better climate and security of supply. The company has around 1,200 employees and is headquartered in Lausanne.

Arise

Arise is one of Sweden’s leading independent companies in renewable energy. Arise manages the entire value chain – from exploration and permitting to financing, construction, divestment, and long-term management of renewable electricity production. Arise is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm.

Pohjan Voima

Pohjan Voima is one of Finland’s leading developers of renewable energy. Our project portfolio exceeds 2 GW, covering onshore wind, solar and battery energy storage projects at various stages of development. Our mission is to deliver affordable and reliable energy while respecting local communities and nature.
Pohjan Voima is part of Arise Group.