Neoen’s mission is to leave a mark that speaks of a better world.
This is pursued not only through renewable energy (wind and solar power) and electricity storage but also through sustainable local cooperation and the company's values.
Originally from France, Neoen is now the world’s largest independent renewable energy producer, operating in 17 countries. Its two largest markets are Australia and France, but close behind is Finland. Miika Pilli, Project Development Director at Neoen Finland, explains why Finland is so attractive.
“Finland has succeeded in its energy policy, which emphasizes renewable energy sources,” says Pilli.
“That’s why there are many promising sites here in which we invest. We only make industrial-scale investments across all our business areas — wind and solar power, and electricity storage.”
Neoen already operates major facilities in Finland, such as the country’s largest wind farm (404 MW) in Mutkalampi, and a 30 MW / 30 MWh battery storage facility in Yllikkälä, Lappeenranta. The company has just decided to build a second battery (56 MW / 113 MWh) in Yllikkälä, which will be the largest in the Nordics and the region’s first so-called “two-hour battery.”
“We have many projects under construction and in planning stages in Finland,” Pilli says.
“Every investment is carefully considered, and we conduct thorough preliminary studies, taking into account grid connection, zoning, and solar and wind potential. We carry out the entire construction process ourselves from start to finish.”
According to Pilli, working with the City of Lappeenranta has been smooth both in zoning and permit processes.
“The Lappeenranta area — like Finland overall — is positive toward renewable energy projects. A special advantage here was also the availability and need for our storage in Fingrid’s main grid.”
The company takes each project seriously and wants to be present on site as much as possible during construction. Neoen retains ownership of its power plants and storages after construction, which is part of responsible governance. The company also participates in local sustainability initiatives, such as biodiversity projects and creating nature trails.
“Naturally, we use the services of local entrepreneurs in constructing our facilities,” says Pilli.
“In the case of Lappeenranta, we have also established a local office in the city to ensure smooth communication during construction.”
The company currently operates with about 30 employees in Helsinki and Lappeenranta, but is open to opening new offices whenever needed.
Pilli is originally from Lappeenranta, and Neoen is not his first job in the renewable energy sector in the region.
“I’ve previously worked in renewable energy here in Lappeenranta, as have several other Neoen employees. So we have expertise not just in energy solutions but also in the local way of life,” he says.
“Another thing that connects some Neoen staff is a degree from LUT University, which is among the world leaders in electrical and energy engineering.”
Pilli enjoys living in Lappeenranta and doesn’t mind traveling. Trips are made both within Finland and to other Neoen countries. The company aims to harness all its expertise across markets, either directly or by adaptation. Recently, Pilli has been exploring innovative virtual inertia solutions in Australia.
“There is a strong atmosphere of trust in the company,” Pilli says.
“Management listens to the views of local experts and trusts the analyses and proposals they make. It makes the work rewarding — also here in Finland, where we have many sites in which to invest.”
This reflects one of the core pillars of Neoen’s governance: everything starts with people.
The first battery storage facility in Yllikkälä has been operating for over three years. It primarily serves Fingrid’s frequency regulation market. The battery was also used during the commissioning of Olkiluoto 3, when Finland urgently needed the reactor online due to the global situation.
“The idea of a battery storage facility is that it charges and discharges electricity depending on the situation,” explains Pilli.
“The battery responds to Fingrid’s needs, balancing fluctuations in production and consumption in the grid.”
Pilli is pleased that the new storage facility will also be connected to Fingrid’s network — the need is real.
While wind power development has faced headwinds in Eastern Finland, battery projects have been important for Neoen in Lappeenranta. Solar and wind power are also growing, and the company plans to later introduce hybrid plants that combine wind and/or solar energy with storage.
“In the Lappeenranta area, wind power is of course problematic due to Defense Forces’ radar systems, but that doesn’t prevent other investments,” he notes.
“Storage facilities are easy investments in the sense that they don’t require much space, and land use questions are therefore easier to resolve.”
More information:
Miika Pilli
Project Development Director
miika.pilli@neoen.com