The Karelia CBC program experiments with small scale wind turbines and solar panels to bring clean electricity to rural areas
- 16 November 2021
Access to clean energy is important in order to bring the Green Deal to rural areas. NatureBest, a project of the Karelia Cross-border cooperation program between Finland and Russia, is experimenting with innovative local production methods, which are adapted to local conditions.
In Kalmonkatiska, a small fishing community in Kuhasalo Joensuu, there was a need for electricity to light the fishing huts and allow for the charging of electrical devices. The idea was to install batteries and charge them using wind turbines. Therefore, a small-scale experimental wind power plant was installed.
Immediately after the installation, it was noticed that the wind must have a velocity of almost 11 m/s so that enough tension to charge is obtained from the turbine. The mast was therefore replaced with a longer one and now the turbine is on a 6 m long mast.
However, the power is still insufficient to provide the necessary electricity and experiments are ongoing. Hence, the Joensuu Fishing Community is planning to install solar panels to the site. This way, the batteries can be loaded also when the wind speed is not high enough to charge the system.
Once the power system will be completely functional, the huts will also be rented out to tourists looking for a quiet and green rural getaway. This project will not only improve the quality of life of the local fishing community, but also bring better economic perspectives to the border region.