Situated in Northern Ostrobothnia, Finland, the Karahka wind farm is a joint endeavor between Helen Ltd, a prominent Finnish energy company serving over half a million customers, and the Ålandsbanken Wind Power Fund, managed by Ålandsbanken Funds Ltd and part of the Bank of Åland. Initiated in 2022, the project includes 25 Nordex N163/5.X wind turbines, totaling a capacity of 147.5 MW. Helen Ltd is dedicated to forging a carbon-neutral energy system, focusing on regional and renewable energy, smart buildings, and electric transport. Meanwhile, the Ålandsbanken Wind Power Fund, emphasizing wind power investments, plays a crucial role in financing the project and attracts a wide audience in Finland and Sweden.
One of the most notable aspects of the Karahka wind farm is its use of hybrid towers. Nordex, with a wealth of experience in constructing concrete towers, has successfully erected over 2,500 units in diverse locations such as Brazil, South Africa, and Mexico. This extensive experience was instrumental in developing the hybrid towers for the project. The hybrid design involves locally manufactured, convex concrete segments that are assembled on-site and then topped with steel sections, the nacelle, and the rotor. The hybrid towers offer robustness and resilience, which are vital for the challenging climatic conditions of the region. Additionally, Nordex is also addressing the harsh winter weather at the location with an advanced anti-icing system to prevent ice formation on the rotor blades, helping to ensure uninterrupted operation during the winter months.
The wind farm is set for completion by the end of 2024 and the project includes a comprehensive 35-year service agreement, ensuring long-term operational efficiency and reliability.
