Landowner Matti Pesonen knows the tricks and tips of land leasing – but how does he respond to renewable energy critics?

As a landowner and landlord, Matti Pesonen, what is your own view on the construction of renewable energy in Finland? Why do you want to be involved?

– I believe this question can be approached from two different perspectives. Firstly, there’s the aspect of self-sufficiency. By producing energy domestically in a decentralized manner, we can mitigate reliance on fuel deliveries in crisis situations, for example. Additionally, decentralized units are not easily silenced all at once.

– Secondly, there are environmental considerations. It has been great to be involved in witnessing the development of the industry from a front-row seat. When we have enough renewable domestic energy, we will be in a very good position to face the seemingly inevitable transition to a hydrogen economy.

What about the construction in your home regions of Alajärvi / Kyyjärvi – what kind of impacts has it had here?

– As a citizen engaged in agriculture and forestry, I’d like to highlight the excellent road network that companies like Ilmatar maintain in their renewable energy parks throughout the year. Once the park is completed, it’s freely accessible to all of us, and for instance, winter maintenance is handled well, often with local assistance.

A handful of us landowners shared a common desire to build wind power on the ridges of Suomenselkä, mainly on former peat production areas.

– In a small town, the buzz during construction has been evident, for example in the strong demand for rental housing. Overall, the demand for catering and accommodation services has been exceptionally high for a long time.

– It’s also worth mentioning that the maintenance of power plants and road networks creates permanent jobs here. These are clear attraction factors for a municipality or city building wind power.

How did your journey as a landlord begin?

– A handful of us landowners shared a common desire to build wind power on the ridges of Suomenselkä, mainly on former peat production areas. We approached Ilmatar over ten years ago, and upon meeting the company’s founders, Mikko Toivanen and Kalle Pykälä, for the first time, it quickly became apparent that we were kindred spirits, and that the park could eventually be both planned and built.

– Around the same time, Erkka Saario joined Ilmatar, and after a few interim stages, we installed wind meters in the area, which then remained under our maintenance for a few years.

What should a landowner consider when dealing with a renewable energy company?

– First and foremost, it’s essential to recognize that the lifespan of parks spans decades. Contracts are often lengthy, and both parties’ interests must be considered in all situations, including problem-solving. For example, in the event of changes in property ownership, the energy producer must safeguard the investment, while the landowner has their own interests.

– Most conflicts arise when contract terms are not fully understood, leading to a feeling that some contractual matters are unclear. It’s advisable to seek as impartial information as possible, readily available from sources such as wind power associations and various public sources.

– In practice, the accessibility of forest and farmland properties improves when wind or solar parks are implemented, and there are numerous other positive effects on land use development.

What kind of discussion or feedback does Ilmatar and renewable energy production generate in your circle or community?

– After over a decade of discussions and now with wind turbines actually appearing in the local landscape, many long-debated issues have become reality. The majority of the local debate surrounding Ilmatar and the opportunities brought by renewable energy is quite positive.

What are the most common misconceptions about renewable energy in your area?

– Opposition to other forms of energy. In my opinion, a significant amount of energy produced in Finland is still needed to replace imports before we can move towards becoming an energy-exporting country. This, in my view, is the building of a new Nokia.

From the perspective of forestry, wind farms and associated structures take up relatively little surface area. Additionally, the areas for turbine installation and road infrastructure support forestry management.

How do you respond to critics?

– Come and visit the wind farm and talk to landowners who have collaborated in this field! The majority of criticism, such as the infringement of landowners’ rights, is what we call ‘tower rumors’, meaning misinformation. Of course, it’s clear that a rapidly growing industry, for which rules are being established together, may lead to individual misunderstandings – but for example, Ilmatar has always been ready to discuss anything that concerns landowners, and compromises have been found as needed. The goal is to build renewable energy production in Finland, and it will be achieved through collaboration!

Are there other positive viewpoints in favor of renewable energy construction, and what are they?

– Kyllä. Pelkästään Suomen vaihtotase huomioonottaen tässä edistetään parhaassa tapauksessa hyvinvointivaltion intressejä tavalla jonka hyödyt jakautuvat kaikkien ulottuville, paikkakunnan saamia kiinteistöverotuottoja unohtamatta.

How would you assess the utilization of your own lands between different uses? For example, in terms of rental income from renewable energy production versus more traditional uses?

– We have been systematically developing former peat production areas with a long-term perspective. In the future, these fields will not only continue to produce energy but also sequester carbon, produce organic food, and develop forestry while promoting biodiversity. Next, large-scale solar power production will greatly support this development, and I am also involved as a land leaseholder in this part of the project.

How concerned are you about logging or other land cultivation on your own lands, or from a nature conservation perspective?

– From the perspective of forestry, wind farms and associated structures take up relatively little surface area. Additionally, the areas for turbine installation and road infrastructure support forestry management.

What else would you like to highlight as a landowner and land leaseholder?

– If you have properties that could be suitable for energy production, it’s worth reaching out to an energy producer like Ilmatar. In unclear situations, it’s good to seek comments from a neutral party – almost all concerning issues become clearer when they are investigated.

What are your thoughts on collaborating with Ilmatar? How long has the co-operation been going on?

– We’ve been collaborating for over a decade, and Ilmatar’s corporate culture, flexibility, and adaptability are impressively positive.