In a significant step towards enhancing renewable energy generation in Finland, Swedish independent power producer Alight Energy and automotive safety company Autoliv have officially inaugurated the 101 megawatt peak (MWp) Eurajoki Solar Park. This project, located in the Satakunta region on Finland’s west coast, marks a notable addition to the country’s renewable energy landscape.
Project Overview
The Eurajoki Solar Park is owned and operated by Alight, which has a growing portfolio of solar projects in Finland. This facility is the first commissioned asset within Alight’s Finnish portfolio, which boasts a solar and storage pipeline exceeding 1 gigawatt (GW). The solar park consists of two sites that are connected to a shared substation, facilitating the integration of the generated electricity into the national grid.
The project was financed through €46 million (approximately US$54 million) in senior debt provided by ABN AMRO and SEB, showcasing the financial backing necessary for large-scale renewable energy initiatives.
Renewable Energy Contribution
Once fully operational, the Eurajoki Solar Park is expected to generate around 100 gigawatt hours (GWh) of renewable electricity annually. This output is significant, as it contributes to Finland’s growing utility-scale solar capacity, which was recorded at 842 MWp across 45 solar parks by the end of June 2026, according to data from Renewables Finland. The new facility accounts for approximately 12% of this total capacity.
Partnership and Sustainability Goals
Warren Campbell, CEO of Alight, expressed pride in the collaboration with Autoliv, stating, “Together with Autoliv, we have brought one of Finland’s largest solar parks into operation, adding new renewable electricity to the grid and helping demonstrate the role solar can play in the Finnish energy system.” This partnership underscores the importance of corporate collaboration in advancing renewable energy projects.
Kaisa Tarna-Mani, Vice President of Sustainability at Autoliv, highlighted the significance of the project in achieving the company’s sustainability goals. She noted, “By supporting the development of new renewable electricity generation through this PPA, we are taking another important step toward achieving carbon neutrality in our own operations by 2030, and at the same time strengthening the resilience of our energy supply.” This commitment to sustainability aligns with global trends towards reducing carbon footprints and enhancing energy security.
Future Prospects and Challenges
Alight’s ambitions in the Nordic region extend beyond the Eurajoki Solar Park. The company aims to expand its utility-scale solar capacity to at least 5 GW by 2030, with ongoing projects in various countries including the UK, Spain, Poland, Germany, and Italy. In 2024, Alight partnered with Finnish developer 3Flash to develop the 120 MW Loviisa solar project, which is expected to generate around 155 GWh annually and commence operations in 2027.
Despite the positive developments in Finland’s solar market, challenges remain. Alight’s Annelie Westén previously noted potential obstacles such as grid congestion and permitting delays that could hinder further expansion of solar projects in the region. Addressing these issues will be crucial for the continued growth of renewable energy in Finland and the broader Nordic area.
Conclusion
The inauguration of the Eurajoki Solar Park represents a significant milestone in Finland’s renewable energy journey. As Alight and Autoliv work together to harness solar power, they not only contribute to the national grid but also set a precedent for future renewable energy collaborations. With ambitious targets and a commitment to sustainability, the future of solar energy in Finland looks promising, provided that the challenges of expansion can be effectively managed.
Source: PV Tech
