The proposed solar power plant in Gårdskulla, Sjundeå, has sparked a debate among local politicians and environmental groups. The Sjundeå Environmental and Building Board has called for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to ensure that the impact on the landscape, including the surrounding agricultural and forest areas, is adequately considered.
The Solar Power Plans in Gårdskulla
The proposed site for the solar power plant spans 150 hectares in the Gårdskulla area, located about 7 kilometers north of Sjundeå. The project plans to install 280,000 solar panels, along with additional infrastructure such as transformer stations, an electrical station, service roads, and fencing around the area.
This area is currently designated for agriculture and forestry in the local comprehensive plan, but the company behind the project, Gårdskullan aurinkovoimala, argues that the environmental impact on the landscape will be minimal. However, the municipality disagrees, raising concerns about the project’s effects on the nationally valuable landscape area of Sjundeå and Degerby agricultural landscape.
Environmental Concerns
In an official statement, the Sjundeå Environmental and Building Board expressed skepticism regarding the company’s assessment, citing that the proposed location is in the middle of a nationally important landscape and close to one of Sjundeå’s main roads. The board has requested more detailed information and believes that a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is necessary to get a clear picture of the project’s long-term effects on the landscape.
Additionally, the solar park is located near the Sjundeå Ås Natura site, and while this proximity doesn’t automatically require an EIA, the board believes it should be considered in the project’s overall evaluation. The local authorities argue that an EIA would provide a much-needed overview of how the entire region might be affected by the growing number of solar power plants planned in the area.
Addressing Local Concerns
While solar energy is undeniably a key source of renewable energy, the board emphasizes that the placement of such large projects needs to be carefully considered to minimize environmental impact. The concerns are not just about the visual impact but also about the potential harm to local ecosystems and landscape integrity.
A common concern among locals is the NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) effect, where the need for green energy projects is acknowledged, but there is resistance when they are planned in close proximity to their homes or rural landscapes.
What’s Next for the Solar Project?
The municipality of Sjundeå is set to begin working on a detailed plan that will enable the construction of the solar park in Gårdskulla. The Gårdskulla company will bear the costs of this detailed planning. However, the municipality insists that the project must undergo the necessary environmental assessments to ensure that it is not only viable in terms of energy production but also responsible in terms of landscape preservation and environmental protection.
Conclusion
As solar energy becomes an increasingly important part of Finland’s energy mix, it is crucial that the placement and scale of projects like the Gårdskulla solar park are carefully evaluated. In Sjundeå, local concerns about preserving the landscape and ensuring sustainable development are at the forefront of discussions.
The outcome of the ongoing planning process will likely shape the future of solar energy development in Västnyland and will set a precedent for how large renewable energy projects are handled in the region. As we await further developments, the balance between renewable energy needs and environmental protection will remain a critical conversation for local governments and communities alike.