One of Finland’s largest BESS projects reaches ready-to-build stage in Sievi

News | 26.5.2025

Renewable energy projects developed by Korkia and Semecon Oy in the Sievi region, Finland, are progressing, as a legally valid building permit has been granted for a planned Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Kukonkylä.

Kukonkylä BESS project has now achieved ready-to-build status, marking a major milestone in one of the largest publicly announced BESS projects in Finland. The permit committee of the municipality of Sievi has approved the construction of a 125 MW BESS in Kukonkylä. The permit was granted to KSFR Energy Storage Oy, a joint project development company by Korkia and Semecon Oy.

“This is the first BESS project in our portfolio to reach ready-to-build status, providing a strong foundation for continued cooperation. Similar projects are underway across Finland. The nearby wind and solar power projects are also advancing rapidly,” says Olli Malkamäki from Semecon.

“The planning and permitting of the Kukonkylä BESS were completed on an exceptionally fast schedule. No new transmission corridors need to be cleared, as the battery storage is located in an excellent spot near Fingrid’s upcoming substation,” comments Petri Haataja, VP, Nordics at Korkia.

Balancing local electricity distribution with BESS

Large-scale, industrial BESS facilities play a critical role in balancing electricity production variability and enhancing the reliability of power distribution.

“Battery storage systems are a key enabler in the transition to zero-emission energy production. BESS allows electricity to be stored when production exceeds consumption, and helps balance the grid as demand rises,” Malkamäki explains.

The Kukonkylä BESS is planned near a new substation currently under construction in the area by Fingrid, Finland’s national transmission system operator (TSO). Construction of the BESS is being synchronized with the substation’s timeline to enable immediate grid connection once the interface is complete. Preparatory work for the construction phase is already underway.

Korkia’s renewable energy projects advance toward RTB

Korkia, an international developer and investor in renewable energy, has a project portfolio of over 145 solar, wind, and battery energy projects across eight countries. The company is among the fastest-growing early-stage developers of renewable energy in Europe.

Korkia’s business model emphasizes co-development with local partners. Many of its international renewable energy projects, including solar and wind power as well as BESS, are expected to reach ready-to-build status by 2025.

More information:

Petri Haataja
VP, Joint Venture Management
+358 40 358 9130
petri.haataja@korkia.fi