VISIO plan supports the green transition in Helsinki-Uusimaa – draft plan on display from March to May
The new regional land use plan shows how future energy solutions, major transport projects and green transition clusters can be combined with environmental and natural values in densely populated Helsinki-Uusimaa. The draft plan is on display on the Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Council’s website from 11 March to 8 May 2026.
At the draft stage, the solutions are shown on a map for the first time. This stage is important, as residents and other stakeholders can still influence the plan by giving feedback.
“A large amount of new information is now available, including the planned routes of the national hydrogen network and possible locations in Helsinki-Uusimaa for the freight rail link and terminal linked to the Tallinn Tunnell,” says Ilona Mansikka, Regional Planning Manager.
Future energy solutions and the circular economy
One of the most important and wide-ranging themes in the VISIO plan is future energy solutions, as society is becoming increasingly electrified. The plan covers, for example, solar energy, both conventional and small-scale nuclear power, and energy transmission networks.
Because a lot of construction is taking place in Helsinki-Uusimaa, the circular economy, aggregates management and industrial innovation are especially important in the region. The largest clusters of industrial production, logistics, aggregates management and the circular economy are shown on the map.
Major transport projects and natural values
Among the major rail projects, the VISIO plan presents the East Rail line planned to run eastwards via Porvoo, the Airport Line, and the freight rail link linked to the Tallinn Tunnel north of the airport. New refuelling and rest areas for heavy goods vehicles using alternative fuels are also shown on the map.
The plan also draws on the latest information on natural values and ecological connections. The solutions emphasise the preservation, connectivity and restoration of habitats.
Critical infrastructure no longer shown on the map
Due to the worsening security situation, critical sites will no longer be shown on the map, and only new projects will be shown. In the current regional land use plans, for example, water services are shown in great detail.
The Finnish Defence Forces’ shooting ranges and other training areas are also currently shown on the map. These will also be removed, so that only the largest clusters remain on the map.
Learn more about the plan online and at spring events
The draft VISIO plan is on display on the Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Council’s website from 11 March to 8 May 2026. Anyone who wants to help develop the region and influence matters that affect them is welcome to give feedback on the plan.
At the spring events, you can learn more about the changes the new regional land use plan will bring to municipalities. The draft plan will be presented at an online event on 19 March and at four regional events across Helsinki-Uusimaa in April.
For more information, please contact:
Ilona Mansikka
Regional Planning Manager
ilona.mansikka@uudenmaanliitto.fi
Regional land use plan and developing its work process. Responsibility for the VISIO plan. Areas of responsibility in regional land use planning: Espoo, Helsinki, Kaunainen and Vantaa. Deputy for Director of Regional Planning Mari Siivola
VISIO plan
- The aim of the VISIO plan is to support the green transition in Helsinki-Uusimaa, taking environmental constraints into account.
- The plan covers six thematic areas: energy, industrial production, nature, logistics, water services and national defence.
- The plan covers the entire Helsinki-Uusimaa region and is prepared for 2024–2027, with a target year of 2050.
- The regional land use plan only addresses issues of national or regional importance, as well as those shared by several municipalities. It guides municipal planning.
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