Environmental impact assessment in energy projects

In renewable energy construction projects, environmental impact assessment plays a significant role from the early planning stage. With support from our specialists, impacts are considered comprehensively and the project’s subsequent planning gains a robust foundation.

A broad understanding is a prerequisite for impact assessment

Energy-sector construction projects can have many kinds of environmental impacts. To anticipate and manage these impacts, they first need to be understood. Legislation also guides this: the EIA programme must include a preliminary assessment of the likely significant effects – the scoping section.

To recognise environmental changes and impacts, as well as the scale and significance of the activities, factors or emissions involved, you need a clear grasp of the project’s functions, processes, structures and technologies. This is where a specialist partner with detailed knowledge of the full project scope becomes invaluable.

FCG has unique expertise both in renewable energy construction projects and in environmental impact assessment.

Collaboration delivers realistic, reliable assessment

Our way of working is collaborative: the EIA programme and the associated planning are prepared in close interaction with the client so that relevant project information is considered from the outset and the likely significant effects are identified while the programme is still being drawn up.

The EIA programme is prepared in line with the EIA Decree, drawing mainly on existing material. While preparing the programme, a preliminary consultation is held under section 8 of the EIA Act, where, together with the contact authority and other key authorities, the likely significant impacts are defined, the necessary studies are focused, and appropriate public participation is agreed.

Case studies

FCG involved in designing Finland’s national hydrogen network

FCG Rakennettu Ympäristö Oy has been selected by Gasgrid Finland to deliver Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the Western Finland section of the future hydrogen transmission network. The Tornio–Porvoo corridor is divided into five assessment areas, and FCG is responsible for the EIA procedure in the western areas. The project advances the green transition and strengthens Finland’s energy self-sufficiency.

In the EIA, FCG identifies ecological values along the route, assesses environmental impacts, and gathers feedback from stakeholders with the aim of minimising impacts on the environment, people and landscape. FCG is actively engaging stakeholders by organising public events across Western Finland during the autumn and winter. EIA work has begun simultaneously in all five areas. Final routing decisions will be based on the EIA results, stakeholder dialogue and technical design.

“We want to ensure that everyone, from landowners to municipalities and local residents, is heard in this process.” – Essi Kuisma, Project Manager, FCG

Learn more by contacting our specialists

Teemu Linnakoski
Customer Relations Director
firstname.lastname@fcg.fi
+358 44 278 7324

Ville Nikkilä
Business Unit Director, Environmental assessments
firstname.lastname@fcg.fi
+358 40 516 1828