In Finland, a solar power plant site on a peatland remains a source of emissions
In Lapua, Finland, climate emissions have been measured for nearly a year at the former Heinineva peat extraction site, where the EPV Aurinkovoima solar power plant began operating this year. Preliminary results indicate that the site remains a source of emissions for now: carbon dioxide and methane from residual peat are entering the atmosphere.
As YLE News reports, the research is being conducted as part of the partly EU-funded Aurinkosuo project involving the University of Helsinki, the Finnish Meteorological Institute and Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences. Measurement equipment is also operating at the former Polunsuo peat extraction site in Karstula.
How to reduce emissions
According to Kari Laasasenaho, a specialist at Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences, the residual peat at Heinineva currently produces slightly more emissions than vegetation can absorb. Emission levels can be influenced by restoring vegetation cover and regulating groundwater levels.
Construction of the power plant was completed at the end of last year, after which the site has gradually become overgrown with vegetation. At Heinineva, the water level is regulated by a controlled drainage system; raising it is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the long term.
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The impact of further use of former peat extraction areas largely depends on the thickness of the peat layer remaining after extraction. In the north of Heinineva, peat has been extracted almost completely, and vegetation is recovering naturally there. In the southern part, the peat layer is thicker, so water regime regulation is necessary there.
Solar projects on former peatlands
According to the Suomen uusiutuvat association, more than 300 industrial solar energy projects are being built, considered or planned in Finland. About 40% of such projects are being built in areas of former peat extraction, including in the South Ostrobothnia region.
The Heinineva power plant has 123,000 solar panels installed. Its construction was facilitated by existing roads and a nearby power line. At the same time, large solar power plants can affect biodiversity, animal movement and the landscape, so regional specialists stress the need for careful planning. Starting from the beginning of 2027, Finland will require a land-use plan for power plants covering more than 50 hectares.
