Hinkua

The power plant was built above ground in 1975. Work carried out to modernise the plant in 2009 included renovating the automation and electrification systems, as well as replacing the turbine's high-pressure hydraulic system.

A key improvement in the Kalajoki river catchment area has been the creation of Hautaperä, an artificial lake that regulates the river basin. The primary aim was to control flooding and improve water quality. The Finnish state is responsible for the dam and regulation, and Vattenfall owns the power station.

Hydro power in Finland

Large-scale hydro power plant construction took place after the Second World War, when the country's reconstruction and the paper and pulp industry required a great deal of energy.

The largest hydro power stations are located in the rivers of northern and north-eastern Finland. Around half of the watercourses have been modified for electricity generation. Unregulated rapids are protected, so extra capacity can be obtained by increasing the efficiency of old power stations or creating artificial lakes.