French renewable energy developer VALOREM has initiated a crowdlending campaign in Finland through the Invesdor platform, aiming to finance wind measurement operations for the Lapinsalo wind project. This is the first time such a mechanism has been introduced in the country, allowing residents of the Kiuruvesi region to lend directly to the project’s early phases, prior to its gradual opening to the rest of Finland and eventually to Europe.
Local financing for national infrastructure
The initiative seeks to engage citizens from the outset, with loans starting at €250, offering a fixed annual interest rate of 10 %, paid semi-annually over three years. The financial mechanism is backed by the strength of VALOREM S.A.S., the French parent company, which guarantees the issued loans. Funds raised will be used exclusively for wind measurement campaigns, a key step in accurately assessing the site’s production potential.
A 44-turbine wind farm powering 190,000 homes
The Lapinsalo project, located in central Finland’s Kiuruvesi, plans the installation of up to 44 turbines, each with a nominal capacity of approximately 8 megawatts. The total output could supply the annual electricity needs of around 190,000 Finnish households, based on an average household consumption of 5,000 kilowatt-hours.
Estimated economic return for municipalities
According to projections, the wind farm is expected to operate for around 35 years. During this period, local authorities anticipate substantial tax revenues, particularly through property tax, amounting to tens of millions of euros. Roads built for the facility will be maintained year-round, providing additional benefits for landowners and hunters in the area.
First phase before European rollout
The citizen funding campaign is divided into three stages: initially available to residents of Kiuruvesi and nearby municipalities, then expanded to the entire Finnish territory, and finally to European investors if the initial target is not met. Information sessions will be held on 12 and 13 May at Hotel Peltohovi, with representatives from VALOREM and Invesdor present to assist individuals interested in lending.
