Overview
Katerma is an 11.5 MW hydroelectric power plant in Finland, owned by UPM-Kymmene Oyj. It contributes to Finland's renewable energy grid with clean hydropower.
Katerma is a hydroelectric power plant located in Finland, owned and operated by UPM-Kymmene Oyj. With a capacity of 11.5 MW, it is a small-scale facility within the Finnish power generation sector, which relies heavily on hydropower and biomass for renewable energy. As a hydroelectric plant, Katerma operates without direct fuel combustion, resulting in minimal air emissions. It likely uses run-of-river or reservoir-based technology typical of Nordic hydropower. The plant benefits from Finland's robust regulatory framework, including compliance with EU renewable energy directives and national water management laws. Katerma plays a role in Finland's clean energy transition, providing low-carbon electricity to the national grid. Its operation supports UPM's sustainability goals and contributes to local energy security. The plant's small capacity means it has a limited environmental footprint compared to larger fossil fuel facilities.
Environmental context
Hydropower plants like Katerma have low operational emissions but can affect local aquatic ecosystems through altered water flow and fish migration. In Finland, strict environmental permits regulate water use and ecological impacts. The plant's small scale and location in a sparsely populated area reduce potential conflicts with communities.
Frequently asked questions
Katerma is located in Finland, at coordinates 64.15° N, 28.95° E, in the Kainuu region near the Russian border.
Katerma has an installed capacity of 11.5 megawatts (MW), classifying it as a small-scale hydroelectric facility.
Katerma is owned by UPM-Kymmene Oyj, a Finnish forest industry company that operates several hydropower plants for renewable energy production.
Hydroelectric plants in Finland must comply with the EU Water Framework Directive, national Water Act, and environmental permits that set conditions for water flow, fish passage, and ecological monitoring.
Katerma provides low-carbon electricity to Finland's grid, supporting the country's target of 50% renewable energy by 2030. Hydropower accounts for about 20% of Finland's electricity generation.