Neova is planning a 450-hectare solar power project in Ropolansuo, Mikkeli

Neova Oy has started planning a solar power plant with a nominal output of about 240 megawatts in the former peat production area of Ropolansuo, Mikkeli. The 450-hectare project area is located on Haukivuori, Mikkeli, in the village of Ropola, about 35 kilometers north of Mikkeli.

This is one of Neova’s largest solar power projects in former peat production areas. The estimated production of the solar power plant corresponds to the annual electricity consumption of approximately 13,500 electrically heated detached houses. The construction of the solar power plant could begin after the licensing phase, approximately in 2027.

Former peat production areas are very suitable for the construction of solar power plants. They are large, flat and cohesive areas that do not need to be cleared of growing forest. Areas are often located far from settlements and already have a good road network. Former peat production areas are also areas of modified land use, which reduces the environmental impact of construction compared to, for example, projects implemented on forest land.

“The location of Mikkeli’s Ropolansuo solar power area in the former peat production area in southern Finland makes the project particularly interesting and the area has good grid connection opportunities, ”says Ville-Veikko Rajala, Project Manager of the project.

Discussion of the project has been started earlier, and the area also emerged in a report on potential solar power areas published by the Mikkeli development company Miksei in 2023.

“The project contributes to the realization of planned investments in Mikkeli that require electricity and shows that Mikkeli is a competitive location,” says Mikkeli’s development company Miksei Oy’s CEO Timo Paakki.

Neova organizes local information events as the project planning progresses and invites the residents and stakeholders of the area to participate in the discussion.

The planned solar power plant area is in the vicinity of Neova’s biodiversity area established in Ropolansuo in 2024. Neova is currently running nine industrial-scale solar power projects, as well as several hybrid projects that combine the benefits of solar and wind power.

The project can be viewed on the website https://www.neova-group.com/fi/tuotteet/tuuli-ja-aurinkovoima/tuuli-ja-aurinkovoimahankkeet/ropolansuon-aurinkovoimapuisto/

More information:

• Ville-Veikko Rajala, Project Manager, Solar Development, Neova Oy, tel. +358 40 485 7877
• Timo Paakki, CEO, Mikkeli Development Company Miksei Oy, tel. +358 40 809 1627