Environmental experts and the energy transition – working at the forefront of the energy transition

Sweco’s Planning Manager Timo Korkalainen and Ecology Specialist Kalle Rainio find themselves in an amazing position: they work at the leading edge of the energy transition. 

They work as initial phase experts in the planning of projects related to the energy transition, carrying out statutory environmental impact assessments (EIA procedures). Their tasks are among the most important ones in the initial design phase. 

“I already look forward to being involved in executing wind power projects and other renewable energy projects in Eastern Finland. As a local, I find the work very important. I want us to be the leading consultant on renewable energy in the area,” Timo says straight away. 

 He continues: “It’s amazing to be involved in designing and constructing renewable energy production in Finland and promoting the energy transition through industrial projects.” 

“And since we need to align the green transition with natural values, the work involves essentially important factors. This is why I’m proud of my work,” Kalle adds. 

The energy transition provides a lot to learn for experts

“The energy transition has accelerated to a rate that requires us to learn various new things and consider a range of factors at a fast pace. The designers and engineers need to be alert and hungry for knowledge at all times,” Timo explains. 

There is already plenty of experience in the construction of wind power in Finland, and there are detailed national guidelines available. 

On the other hand, the same cannot be said about solar power projects and the nationwide guidelines are only now being prepared. In addition to the lack of instructions, the legislation and legal practices have lagged. 

“Even though I’ve been working as a biologist and researcher for a long time, the diversity of the projects related to the energy transition has fascinated me even during my first year as a consultant. The learning curve has been extremely steep. I’ve conducted nature surveys for solar and wind power projects and been involved in railway and mine projects,” Kalle says describing his experiences. 

The planning of a wind power project involves listening to the local residents, examining the prevalence of threatened species in the area or assessing the collision risk of predatory birds, for example.  

All of these are now routine tasks, and there is plenty of experience in various assessment and forecasting models.  

As wind power construction spreads to Eastern Finland, the proximity of the eastern border and aspects such as considering radar effects require designers to, once again, learn new things. 

The designers are not only challenged by the schedules, number, or scale of the projects. 

An additional challenge is learning about and applying the modern technologies required for each individual project.  

This is by no means a minor challenge. 

“Our efforts are based on strong teamwork. The project teams include experts from various fields, and more than ten Sweco specialists can be involved in an individual energy transition project. The best way to update your own competence is to work and share competence,” Timo says. 

How does an environmental expert see the energy transition and green transition?

The energy transition is already under way and cannot be stopped.  

Finland is on its way towards independence from foreign energy. Even if the first steps of the journey have been small, we are now making strides.  

“Personally, I am motivated by the opportunity of being involved in building Finnish renewable energy. That said, we still have a way to go to the finish line – it is hard to say when we will be entirely rid of fossil energy. We see the general process as a combination of the energy transition, security of supply and overall safety,” Timo says.  

“The Government has not subsidised wind power in years. The projects are entirely market-based, and new forms of energy production are emerging,” Kalle adds. 

In addition to wind power and solar projects, green hydrogen is also related to the green transition. 

“There are already projects related to green hydrogen in the planning stages. At the same time, industrial and infrastructure projects aim for zero emissions. There are still plenty of new challenges ahead,” Timo says. 

Environmental positivity is evident in all activities

It is important for Finland to make the necessary political decisions and the legislation enables a greener future.  

In Finland, taking environmental values into account is not seen as a necessary evil. Instead, environmental positivity is evident in all activities.  

According to Timo, Finnish town planning must be based on sufficient surveys and analyses and the projects must be aligned with natural values. 

“It is in the best interest of all Finns for the energy transition to minimise any risks threatening our nature. The operators involved also rely on the expertise of our biologists,” Timo explains. 

“Whenever something new is being built, it always has a price from the perspective of nature. It is our job to make sure that the price is as small as possible and the life cycle analysis curve lands strongly in the green,” Timo says, summing up one of the important goals of his work. 

The energy transition also provides international career opportunities for environmental experts

There is significant and pioneering competence in renewable energy sources, climate change mitigation and the preservation of biodiversity currently being built in Finland.  

There is also demand abroad for this kind of expertise. Even now, our experts are involved in energy and circular economy projects across Europe. 

“About a year ago, I got a phone call from Sweco asking me if I would be interested in a new work opportunity. We talked about future energy projects and the various opportunities that Sweco could offer me. I had already worked for 17 years in land use planning and been involved in the preparation of a regional plan. Getting involved with something new was appealing, and I have not regretted my decision,” Timo says. 

Timo hopes to be included in projects in which he could leverage his competence abroad in the reconstruction of Ukraine, for example. 

From academic research to promoting the energy transition

Kalle made a long academic career in research at the university. He ended up at Sweco through the normal open application process, when he felt that the time was right for something entirely new. 

“What I have enjoyed at Sweco is that my work is not as solitary as research at the university. I have also liked the clearer separation between work and leisure and the opportunity to influence the projects I work on,” Kalle says about his move to Sweco. 

Do you see yourself working at the forefront of the energy transition?

What kinds of career plans do you have?  

What if you could utilise your competence in environmental matters and land use to tackle climate change through energy transition projects at Sweco? 

The energy transition is a growing new field that will employ many experts in the coming years and decades both in Finland and abroad.