Background
Climate change exacerbates the effects of land use on water bodies. The region of North Ostrobothnia accounts for 37% of Finland's total wind power capacity, and the planning and construction of new facilities continues at a fast pace. Wind power facilities are often planned to areas where peatland forestry practices such as drainage have significantly affected the characteristics and hydrology of the catchments and consequently, ecological condition of the recipient streams.
Objectives
The aim of the project is to investigate the impacts of land-based wind power installations on flow regime, nutrient loading and ecological status of surface waters at different levels of background forestry impact. Furthermore, modelling approaches will be used to assess the cumulative and interactive impacts of wind power facilities and other land uses under changing hydrometeorological conditions. Additionally, assessments on the effects of various water management options will be produced. The project seeks solutions and collaboration opportunities to reduce the water risks associated with renewable wind power projects and cumulative land use impacts through a pilot site.
Outputs
The project outputs will be updated on the project pages of ELY centre as they are completed.
Lisätietoja
Senior researcher Jarno Turunen
Finnish Environment Institute (Syke)
fistname.surname@syke.fi
p. 0295 251 229
Project manager Markus Saari
North Ostrobothnia ELY Centre
fistname.surname@ely-keskus.fi
p. 0295 351 3133