Hannes Snellman Contributed Finnish Chapter to the Orrick Global Offshore Wind Report 2026

Hannes Snellman has contributed a chapter on Finland to the Orrick Global Offshore Wind Report 2026, which provides a global outlook on offshore wind developments across key jurisdictions.

Together with Orrick, Tapio Teräkivi, Maria Landtman, Klaus Metsä‑Simola, and Jenny Karlsson from Hannes Snellman have contributed the Finnish chapter, offering insights into the current status of offshore wind in Finland and the regulatory and commercial developments shaping the sector.

Key takeaways from the Finland chapter include:

• Offshore wind in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ): Finland’s Offshore Wind Power Act establishes a dedicated framework for offshore wind development in the EEZ, introducing a competitive tendering model for granting exclusivity. The Finnish Government is expected to designate the first EEZ areas for offshore wind, with the first competitive tenders anticipated to commence in 2026.
  
• Territorial waters and permitting developments: Offshore wind development in Finland’s territorial waters continues through state‑led planning and auctions. At the same time, legislative reforms have aimed to streamline permitting processes, centralise permitting authorities, and accelerate the handling of environmental and water permits for green transition projects, including offshore wind.
  
• Grid connection, offtake, and innovation opportunities: Amendments to electricity market legislation, transmission grid reinforcements, and growing demand from data centres, hydrogen projects, and other energy‑intensive industries create long‑term offtake opportunities for offshore wind developers, with power purchase agreements expected to play an increasingly important role.

As offshore wind markets globally continue to face cost pressures, financing challenges, and grid constraints, Finland’s regulatory developments and long‑term energy transition ambitions provide a solid foundation for future offshore wind investments.

The report is available for download here.

Hannes Snellman advises clients on matters relating to the development, permitting, construction, operation, and financing of energy and infrastructure projects, including offshore wind. Please contact us should you wish to discuss any related questions.