A data centre planned near the boundary between Parkano and Kihniö would, if realised, bring the city new jobs and significant tax revenue.

Pohjan Voima is planning a project for energy-intensive operations at Vakerinmäki in Parkano, close to the boundary with the municipality of Kihniö. The preliminary project area covers roughly 41 hectares.

An initiative to zone the area has been submitted to the City of Parkano, which will be decide whether to launch the zoning process. The initiative proposes a detailed zoning plan that would enable a range of energy-intensive activities. As the area has no master zoning plan, a master plan review is intended to be carried out alongside the detailed planning.

“If the city gives the zoning process the green light, we will start to assess whether the Vakerinmäki area could be suitable for energy-intensive operations. The core of the project would be data centre activity, but the plan is also intended to allow for electricity storage, for example,” says Tomi Mäkipelto, CEO of Pohjan Voima.

“I believe the project could be as significant boost to Parkano’s vitality. If realised, the data centre would bring property tax revenue, jobs, particularly during the construction phase, and opportunities for local businesses.”

Based on preliminary studies by Pohjan Voima, the area is well suited to a data centre project. Fingrid’s Vakerinmäki substation is set to be built near the planning area, which would enable a short grid connection without long transmission links.

The project’s final size and timetable depend on the progress of permitting and on securing electricity supply. According to the CEO, the data centre’s potential end user will also become clearer during the permitting phase.

“Data centre projects are large undertakings that have to reconcile electricity availability, environmental impacts, zoning, local perspectives and the project’s economic preconditions. That is why we are proceeding step by step and assessing the impacts carefully before any investment decisions,” Mäkipelto says.

The necessary environmental and other studies will be prepared in connection with the zoning. The zoning also aims to safeguard the area’s most significant natural values and to take account of the needs of the electricity system and the recreational network. Pohjan Voima will cover the costs of the zoning, studies and plans required for the project.

Pohjan Voima will present the project to residents at a public event in August. A dedicated project website will open at the same time, allowing people to follow the planning as it progresses.

If zoning proceeds as planned, the zoning plan enabling construction could be put forward for approval at the end of 2027. Investment decisions could then be made in 2028.

CONTACT

Tomi Mäkipelto
CEO, Pohjan Voima
050 370 4092
tomi.makipelto@pohjanvoima.fi