KASE MAURO: A new role for the countryside

KASE MAURO: A new role for the countryside

Objectives

The aim of the KASE MAURO project is to develop a new role for the countryside of the Kaustinen sub-region. There are several powerful needs and opportunities for realizing a new role. The key identified opportunity is based on the production and deployment of renewable energy, where the economic potential of this sub-region alone is around 100 million euros per year. The project is being implemented by the VEBIC (University of Vaasa), the Kokkola University Consortium Chydenius (University of Jyväskylä), the Ruralia Institute (University of Helsinki) and the Kaustinen sub-region as the project's main coordinator.

The objectives of the project are (1) to define the vision and target state for a new role of the countryside of Kaustinen sub-region in the field of renewable energy and to launch a process of change leading to the vision; (2) to provide the information necessary to carry out the transformation process: (a) to explore the technical and economic potential of renewable energy, (b) to study the social and psychological feasibility of renewable energy development projects and the attractiveness of the field; to establish the necessary networks and partnerships to carry out the transformation process; to create a coherent package of stand-alone projects and investments in renewable resources.

Implementation

The measures implemented are: (1) Kaustinen sub-region draws up the vision, the target state and the road map for the transition, and coordinates the implementation and communication of the project entity; (2) Kokkola University Consortium Chydenius studies the social and psychological feasibility of renewable energy development projects and the attractiveness of the field; (3) VEBIC explores the potential of energy self-sufficiency in renewable energy throughout the sub-region and, together with the region's own actors and stakeholders, will make recommendations for action to achieve this goal; (4) Ruralia Institute assesses the regional economic impact of the potential of renewable energy in the region.

Results

Results of the project are (1) a vision and target state for the new role of the countryside - piloted by the Kaustinen sub-region; (2) a road map outlining the strategic road to the vision and the target; (3) a study on the social and psychological feasibility of renewable energy development projects in the pilot area and on the attractiveness of the field; (4) a study on the technical and economic potential of renewable energy and recommendations for action to promote the energy transition in the pilot area; (5) a study of the regional economic impact of renewable energy in the pilot area.

Implementation time, costs and financing

The project will be implemented in the period from 1.6.2020 to 31.12.2021. The total cost of the project is 245 000 €. The project has been funded through the Rural Development Program for Mainland Finland 2014–2020, with the ELY-centre Ostrobothnia contributing 80 % (196 000 €) and the municipalities of the Kaustinen sub-region 20 % (49 000 €). The Kaustinen sub-region accounts for 30 % of the costs (73 000 €), the Kokkola University Consortium Chydenius for 29 % (70 000 €), the VEBIC for 30 % (74 000 €) and the Ruralia Institute for 11 % (27 000 €).

Further information:

  • Timo Pärkkä, Project Manager of the KASE MAURO project, Kaustinen sub-region, telephone +358 40 757 3519, timo.parkka@kaustisenseutukunta.fi
  • Petri Jylhä, Development Director, Kaustinen sub-region, telephone +358 50 551 3030, email petri.jylha@kaustisenseutukunta.fi
  • Olli Rosenqvist, Senior Researcher, Kokkola University Consortium Chydenius (University of Jyväskylä), telephone +358 40 8054 429, email olli.rosenqvist@jyu.fi (until 31 July 2021)
  • Paula Kivinen, Programme Manager, Kokkola University Consortium Chydenius (University of Jyväskylä), telephone +358 40 5148 751, paula.kivinen@chydenius.fi (from 1 August 2021)
  • Pekka Peura, Senior Advisor, VEBIC – Vaasa Energy Business Innovation Centre (University of Vaasa), telephone +358 29 449 8206, email pekka.peura@univaasa.fi
  • Ari Haapanen, Project Manager, VEBIC – Vaasa Energy Business Innovation Centre (University of Vaasa), telephone +358 29 449 8210, ari.haapanen@univaasa.fi
  • Susanna Kujala, Doctoral student, Ruralia Institute (University of Helsinki), telephone +358 50 415 1158, email susanna.kujala@helsinki.fi
  • Outi Hakala, Doctoral student, Ruralia Institute (University of Helsinki), telephone +358 50 318 7933, outi.hakala@helsinki.fi