Transporting wind turbine components is no small task. The over 80-meter blades and other heavy components require unique logistical solutions. Despite the challenges, the projects must proceed according to plan, exactly as they are doing in Ilmatar’s Pahkakoski and Korpilevonmäki wind farms.
Ilmatar´s wind farm projects in Pahkakoski and Korpilevonmäki are both progressing on track – with clean energy soon to be produced. Just the other day, the first components were transported to Pahkakoski by our partner Ville Silvasti Oy. The journey from the port of Raahe via Oulu and Kiiminki took components to Yli-Ii, North Ostrobothnia, where our 30-turbine wind farm, one of Finland’s most significant renewable energy projects, is built.
Special vehicles are used to transport the wind turbines and customised pallets are attached at both ends of the tower sections. Silvasti is utilizing specialized equipment designed for large tower diameters, which minimizes the need for road modifications along the transport route. Additionally, through an innovative delivery and lifting plan, the site roads and lifting areas have been optimized, resulting in significant cost savings and a considerably smaller environmental impact on the surrounding nature.
Three to five escorts ensure smooth and safe transport, guide traffic, and remove possible obstacles. Environmental impacts have been considered in the planning and implementation of the transport.
“Where necessary, roads are reinforced, and crossings widened. The transport routes are carefully planned, taking into consideration road durability, bridge load capacity, and turning radius”, says Niklas Löf, Ilmatar’s Project Manager responsible for Pahkakoski wind farm construction.
TCI contracting model optimises efficiency
Pahkakoski will be among the first large-scale sites in Europe to be built using the new and innovative TCI (Transport, Crane, and Installation) contracting model.
“The TCI contracting model changes the traditional division of labour in wind turbine construction wind turbines. Instead of the turbine manufacturer handling both supply and installation, these tasks are split between the manufacturer and a dedicated contractor responsible for transport, crane operations, and installation”, says Löf.
For TCI contract, Ilmatar partnered with Ville Silvasti Oy, expert in heavy transport and logistics, with extensive experience in large wind power projects across the Nordic countries.
Wind farm construction progressing on schedule
Once completed, the 186-megawatt Pahkakoski wind farm will be one of Finland´s largest renewable energy facilities. Initially, two tower sections per turbine will be transported to the site for pre-installation, with the main installation of the remaining five sections starting early October.
Roads and foundations for the first 15 turbines are complete, with the rest scheduled for completion by mid-September. The grid is ready to integrate the new energy and commercial operation of the wind farm is scheduled for late summer 2025.
“Work has progressed exactly as planned, providing jobs for local companies, including road maintenance, and with a firm from Oulu responsible for the wind farm’s maintenance building”, says Löf.
Ilmatar’s Korpilevonmäki wind project in Satakunta is also on schedule. Civil works are complete, and the first turbine components arrived early August. If weather permits, installation will be finished by October, with electricity generation beginning in early 2025. The wind farm is expected to be fully operational in the second quarter of next year.
“From a construction perspective, these well-developed projects has progressed perfectly regarding both schedule and costs, thanks to the project development team and to especially Timo Laitinen”, comments Petri Ainonen, Director, Construction at Ilmatar.
