Ailangantunturi Pumped Storage Hydropower Project Makes Strong Progress Towards Permit Decisions
Kemijoki Oy’s Ailangantunturi Pumped Storage Hydropower Project has reached three major milestones. The project’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) procedure has been completed, the public consultation required under the EU Project of Common Interest (PCI) framework has concluded, and the permitting process, initiated in May, is moving forward to the next stage.
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process for the Ailangantunturi Pumped Storage Power Plant and the 400 kV transmission line to Pirttikoski has been completed following the Reasoned Conclusion issued by the Finnish Supervisory Agency on 8 July 2026. According to the conclusion, the EIA Report meets the required content requirements and is considered sufficient in quality. The two-year EIA process has been an important phase of the project, involving assessments of impacts on water bodies, nature and people, while enabling active and valuable dialogue with stakeholders.
The public consultation related to the project’s PCI status was held between 3 June and 3 July 2026. During the consultation period, citizens, organisations and stakeholders shared their views on the project and its significance as part of the Finnish and European energy systems.
Kemijoki Oy initiated the project’s permitting phase in May 2026 by submitting applications for environmental, water management and transmission line permits for regulatory review. The significant environmental impacts identified during the EIA process, together with stakeholder feedback, provide the foundation for the mitigation measures presented in the permit applications.
“Over the summer, we have reached three important milestones in the project. The EIA process has been completed, the PCI consultation has been carried out, and we are now advancing to the next stages of the permitting process. Through the permit applications, we can present the best possible concrete solutions for mitigating environmental impacts,” says Petri Vihavainen, Project Director at Kemijoki Oy.
The permit applications translate the development areas and mitigation measures identified during the EIA process into concrete and technically detailed solutions, particularly with regard to fish populations, springs, the stream flowing from the fell pond, sediments and ice conditions in Lake Kemijärvi, and protected species.
“Based on our constructive cooperation with the Finnish Supervisory Agency and the matters raised during the process, we will further refine the permit applications by adding details related to technical plans, the practical implementation of construction works and the latest findings included in the EIA Reasoned Conclusion,” says Vihavainen.
The Ailangantunturi Pumped Storage Power Project is one of Finland’s largest energy storage initiatives. It will strengthen the flexibility of the electricity system, increase opportunities for integrating renewable energy and enhance security of supply. The European Commission has granted the project PCI status in recognition of its importance for Europe’s energy security, self-sufficiency and clean transition goals.
More information
Petri Vihavainen
Project Director, Kemijoki Oy
tel. 050 321 5887
petri.vihavainen@kemijoki.fi