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Ilmatar at the heart of renewable energy – active participation strengthens our position as a forerunner

11.10.2024

As forerunners in renewable energy, it is important for Ilmatar to keep up to date with developments in the industry. Ilmatar employees participated in the Wind Finland 2024 event in large numbers, which provided an excellent setting for networking and sniffing out new trends. The discussions focused on investments in the sector, electricity networks and responsibility. What was left in the mind for our participants from the event?

According to Ilmatar employees, the general atmosphere around renewable investments shows signs of development in the right direction.

The figures presented by Fingrid on consumption-side connection surveys, such as data centers during this decade and PtX investments in the longer term, create confidence on the production side. In addition, lower interest rates and component prices will pave the way for renewable energy investments,” says Mika Suomi, New Business Development Manager.

One of the most talked about themes of the event was how wind turbines can better support the power grid by utilising frequency control, stability and the electricity market.

“There is certainly demand for renewable energy, if the egg-and-chicken situation in the investment environment with electricity production and new users can be resolved”, Project Development Manager Timo Laitinen summs up.

Investing in sustainability and responsibility is a prerequisite for the future

The new ESG due diligence regulation requires actors to invest in strengthening sustainability measures, traceability of mineral sourcing and effective supplier engagement.

“It is timely to start adapting to changes in the industry and preparing for the future. ESG requires already significant effort from all players in the renewables value chain – whether we like it or not,” Suomi said.

Suomi picked up another significant trend from the event:
“Several discussions revealed the expectation that new turbine manufacturers will enter the European market in the next few years. This is changing the market introducing new opportunities and challenges, for wind power operators.

Our M&A Director, Jenny Söderman, attended the event for the third time and highlighted its broad perspective.

“Wind Finland provides a good overall picture of the industry. I had discussions with many different actors, including project developers, advisors, lawyers and turbine suppliers. Interest in Finnish renewable energy projects remains high, although there are of course challenges. It is therefore very important that Ilmatar is actively involved in discussions and information exchange in the field”, Söderman says. 

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