12.3.2026
Renewables Finland surveyed its member companies to assess the impacts of the proposed regulatory change in the Land Use Act on utility-scale solar project development. The change would require all solar power projects larger than 50 hectares to undergo zoning. A large share of the solar projects currently planned in Finland fall within the 70–150 hectare range.
Press releases
A survey by Renewables Finland shows that the proposed 50-hectare zoning threshold for utility-scale solar power in the Land Use Act would significantly weaken the conditions for project development. The proposed threshold would reduce companies’ willingness to initiate new projects, increase the zoning workload for municipalities and make it more difficult to locate solar power projects precisely in the areas where they would be most appropriate from an impact perspective. Renewables Finland examined the effects of the regulatory change included in the Land Use Act on the utility-scale solar project development of its member companies. The change would mean that in the future all solar power projects larger than 50 hectares would require zoning. A large share of solar power projects planned in Finland fall within the 70–150 hectare size range. The proposed 50-hectare threshold would therefore not only affect exceptionally large projects, but a significant share of typical project development. Sixteen companies responded to the survey, and the dataset covers 135 solar power projects. In terms of projects, the sample is comprehensive compared to all projects currently under development in Finland, which totaled 301 projects in January 2026. According to the survey, 12 out of 16 companies estimate that the proposed 50-hectare zoning threshold has already reduced their willingness to initiate new solar power projects. Four companies reported no impact. Renewables Finland notes that the proposed threshold is also inconsistent with the Government Programme. The programme aims to guide solar power development, among other places, to former peat production areas and wastelands. In these areas the impacts of solar power development are often more moderate, as they are typically located far from settlements, their alternative land-use value is low and the environment has already been modified by human activity. However, the proposed regulation would make it more difficult for precisely these types of projects to move forward. “The proposed zoning threshold is problematic because it makes it harder to place projects exactly in the areas where solar power would make the most sense from an impact perspective – and where the Government Programme intends it to be […]
12.3.2026
Press releases
Solar power is gaining momentum in Finland, and its role in our national energy mix will increase significantly in the coming years. Finland has substantial solar potential, and several hundred projects are currently being planned. At the same time, regulation related to renewable energy brings both opportunities and risks for the sector. At present, 285 […]
22.5.2025
