# Finland Targets 2027 for First Offshore Wind Development Tenders Government designates four strategic maritime zones to accelerate large-scale offshore wind energy expansion. - **Source:** [offshoreWIND.biz](https://www.offshorewind.biz) - **Published:** 2026-11-12 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/b2174f5d-2eca-44a2-9869-014fc75beb36 ## Strategic Maritime Zone Designation The Finnish government officially designated four specific areas for offshore wind development on November 5, 2026. These zones, located in the Bothnian Sea and Bothnian Bay, include Bothnian Sea West, Bothnian Sea East, Bothnian Bay South, and Bothnian Bay North. This move establishes the geographical foundation for the country's upcoming competitive tender process. ## Tender Timeline and Structure Finland plans to launch its inaugural offshore wind tender during the first half of 2027. The Finnish Energy Authority will manage the process, beginning specifically with the Bothnian Bay South area. Subsequent tenders for the remaining three designated zones will follow, creating a structured pipeline for developers to enter the Finnish market. ## Evaluation Criteria for Bidders The government framework mandates a balanced assessment approach for all project bids. Price and qualitative factors will each account for 50 percent of the final evaluation score. Successful bidders gain the right to apply for an exploitation permit, which enables them to conduct detailed offshore studies and pursue further necessary project authorizations. ## Long-term Development Horizons Officials acknowledge that offshore wind projects within the Finnish exclusive economic zone involve extended timelines. The period between the initial tender and the commercial operation date is estimated to span 10 to 15 years. This long-term outlook reflects the technical and regulatory complexities inherent in developing large-scale offshore energy infrastructure projects. ## Legislative Amendments to Water Act Proposed amendments to the Water Act aim to clarify construction and decommissioning requirements for offshore wind farms. These provisions, expected to take effect in spring 2027, introduce specific rules regarding financial security and obligations. The legislation ensures that developers remain legally responsible for the eventual removal of structures from the seabed. ## Decommissioning and Environmental Responsibility The policy adheres to the polluter-pays principle, requiring full dismantling of wind farms at the end of their operational lives. The Finnish Supervisory Agency retains the authority to assess removal requirements on a case-by-case basis. These rules apply to both the exclusive economic zone and Finland’s territorial waters to ensure environmental accountability. ## Regulatory Predictability and Certainty The government intends these regulatory changes to enhance legal certainty for international and domestic developers. By establishing clear procedures for area selection and financial security, the state aims to mitigate investment risks. This framework builds upon the Act on Offshore Wind Power, which originally entered into force on January 1, 2025. ## Market Impact and Future Outlook By formalizing the tendering model without state aid, Finland is positioning its offshore wind sector for market-driven growth. The combination of designated zones and transparent evaluation criteria provides a stable environment for long-term infrastructure investment. Stakeholders should monitor the upcoming 2027 tender launch as a critical milestone for regional energy transition. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.offshorewind.biz/2026/11/12/finland-could-launch-first-offshore-wind-tender-in-h1-2027-as-government-designates-four-development-areas — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._