Kemijoki Oy’s Ailangantunturi pumped storage power plant project included in EU’s Projects of Common Interest list – Ailangantunturi is a significant European energy infrastructure project
In December 2025, the European Commission has granted the Ailangantunturi pumped storage power plant project, planned for Kemijärvi, the exceptional and strategically important status of a Project of Common Interest of the European Union.
EU Projects of Common Interest (PCIs) play a significant role in improving Europe’s energy security and self-sufficiency, as well as in achieving climate goals. PCIs are designed to complete the EU energy market and contribute to climate-neutrality objectives, ensuring that all Europeans have access to affordable, reliable, and renewable energy.
“We are extremely proud and grateful for the historic status granted to the Ailangantunturi energy storage project by the European Commission. This is an exceptionally strong and clear indication of the strategic importance of Kemijoki Oy’s pumped storage power plant project not only for Finland but also for the Nordic electricity market, providing much-needed regulating power to ensure the stability of the electricity system,” says Petri Vihavainen, Vice President, Electricity markets and strategy at Kemijoki Oy.
PCIs are eligible to apply for EU financing from the Connecting Europe Facility and will benefit from expedited permitting and regulatory processes. The Commission supports the implementation of these projects in cooperation with project promoters and Member States. In Finland, Fingrid’s three cross-border transmission projects have also been selected for the list of Projects of Common and Mutual Interest. Across the entire Baltic Sea region, there are a total of eight such projects selected with very strict criteria.
The Ailangantunturi pumped storage power plant is key to improving the balance and flexibility of the electricity system. It enables the more effective integration of renewable, variable wind and solar power into the electricity system. This is crucial as we transition to a cleaner and more self-sufficient energy system.
The Commission’s project list will be submitted to the European Parliament and the Council, who have two months to either accept or reject the list in full but may not amend it.
The European Commission’s press release is available here.
More information about Kemijoki Oy’s Ailangantunturi pumped storage power plant project can be found here.
Additional information
Petri Vihavainen
Vice President, Electricity markets and strategy
Kemijoki Oy
tel. +358 20 703 4443
e-mail petri.vihavainen@kemijoki.fi