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Photos: Alajärvi wind farm was opened with local and international flair

Published:17.05.2024
Tags: 
  • co-operation,
  • onshore wind power

Ilmatar marked the inauguration of the Alajärvi wind farm alongside its extensive network of partners, stakeholders and land owners on 16 May, basking in the sunshine as guests gathered. The warm spring day was tempered by a gentle breeze, propelling the wind farm’s 36 turbines into action. Speeches by Ilmatar’s CEO, Juha-Pekka Weckström, Kansai Electric Power’s Senior Executive Vice President Mikio Matsumura, Alajärvi Mayor, Vesa Koivunen, and Ilmatar’s Director of Construction, Petri Ainonen, were complemented by performances of traditional Finnish music from bygone decades, courtesy of the local Sipsetti troupe.

The wind farm was officially opened with formal celebratory proceedings, including the tradition of ribbon-cutting. Undertaking the cutting duties were Alajärvi Mayor Vesa Koivunen, in his capacity as part-owner of the wind farm, Kansai Electric Power Senior Executive Vice President Mikio Matsumura, and Ilmatar’s CEO Juha-Pekka Weckström.
Juha-Pekka Weckström explained that following the completion of the wind farm, the next phases involve advancing and constructing solar and energy storage projects for the hybrid park in the coming years.
Arja Tikkanen (right), Tarja Kultavuori, and Marko Penninkangas of the local Sipsetti trio from Alajärvi took charge of the musical entertainment at the festivities, performing Finnish schlager music. Their repertoire included both jenkka and polka tunes.
Sparkling wine was served and toasts were made in honor of the wind farm. The guest list included landowners, partners, Ilmatar employees, and representatives from the Japanese Embassy.
Kansai Electric Power’s Senior Executive Vice President Mikio Matsumura, considers the collaboration with Ilmatar to be highly fruitful, both in Alajärvi and in previous contexts.
During the opening ceremony, Ilmatar’s CEO, Juha-Pekka Weckström, and Kansai Electric Power’s Mikio Matsumura engaged in several discussions.
Arttu Seppälä, originally from Alajärvi, hosted the event – dressed in traditional Ostrobothnian attire, naturally.
Alajärvi Mayor Vesa Koivunen delivering a speech.
The weather during the opening was almost perfect.
Petri Ainonen Director, Construction for Ilmatar, reviewed the successful progress of the project and expressed his pride in the collaborative efforts during the construction phase.
Kazumasa Miyazaki from the Japanese Embassy and Kansai Electric Power’s Senior Executive Vice President Mikio Matsumura (foreground), with their entourage.
Kansai Electric Power’s Matsumura delivering his speech.
Haru the dog played a role even during the construction phase of the Alajärvi wind farm. Haru is the dog of Paavo Päkkilä, who worked as a site supervisor, and became familiar and beloved to practically everyone involved in the project.
Among the guests were also those skilled in dancing. Airi (left) and Arja Pitkänen are twins who run a village shop in Kuoleman kylä (Death Village) in Alajärvi.
Alajärvi wind power farm produces renewabe energy with 36 turbines and 221 MW nominal capacity.
Arttu Seppälä hosts as the audience listens attentively.

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