Sääskenharju – By the resources of the Bothnian Bay
The Sääskenharju Circular Economy Park is a planned ecopark in the municipality of Ii, Finland. On this page, you can find information on the plans for the project and how you can bring your business to the area.
Planning
The municipality of Ii has decided to start the planning of Sääskenharju Circular Economy Park according to the Business and Economic Development Programme. The planned size of the area is 70 hectares. The park is located next to an old landfill that was closed in 2005.
The area does not currently have a valid street plan. The proposed circular economy activities require at least a master plan or a functional plan for the area, most likely a town plan. The planning process is scheduled to kick-off properly in the spring of 2024.
The branding of the area will also be developed in the future. As there are a plethora of circular economy park projects in Finland, the terminology of the industry is still being established. For example, circular economy park, biopark, ecopark, and circular centre are names used interchangeably.
You can follow the planning process at Ii.fi (in Finnish).
You can watch a short video on the Sääskenharju area below. The video contains Finnish text elements.
Location
The Sääskenharju area is located some 7 kilometres north of the town centre of Ii. The area is accessible from both north and south: the Finnish National Road 4/European Route 8/75 passes right next to the area. Materials from the Port of Oulu or from the Port of Kemi can thus be easily transported to the area.
A new planned route for the National Road 4 would be located to the east of the Sääskenharju area, and it would improve logistical options even further. This is taken into account in the planning process.
In addition to the highways, the railway between Oulu and Kemi passes right next to the area.
You can use the interactive map below to see the location of the Sääskenharju area.
Bring your business to the area
Are you interested in being part of the circular economy revolution? Do you already have a company or just a business plan? Contact either Noora Huotari or Helena Illikainen of Ii Business Services and let’s set up an appointment!
Vision
The aim for the Sääskenharju Circular Economy Park is to utilize waste and side streams in the area. Our goal is near zero-waste: we have targeted that 98% of materials will be utilized locally.
The area will be a circular economy park of the future. The municipality of Ii is a forerunner in environmental solutions and the ecopark will strengthen this image. Carbon neutrality and improving biodiversity are also emphasized in the planning process. The park will create new business opportunities and new jobs, and it supports the national plan for green transition and the strategy for bio-based economy.
Further reading:
Strategic Programme to Promote a Circular Economy (ym.fi)
The Finnish Bioeconomy Strategy (mmm.fi)
Background information
The Sääskenharju area was initially developed as part of Growth from the Circulation with Green Techniques (KASKI) project. The project was funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Council of Oulu Region. The project was funded as part of the European Union’s response to the covid-19 pandemic. The budget of the project was €674,195. The project was run by Micropolis with project partners being Iilaakso, the Chemical Process Engineering (CPE) research unit of the University of Oulu and the University of Oulu Kerttu Saalasti Institute: Regional Excellence (REx). The project was operational between 9/2021—10/2023.
Read more about the KASKI project
 |
 |
 |
