30 March 2023

Finland is advancing energy security and climate goals

According to the Finnish Wind Energy Association, wind power capacity in Finland increased by 75% last year (FWPA). The domestic ownership of nearly half of Finland’s wind power makes renewable energy an essential lifeline during the current energy crisis. Finland, like other European countries, has accelerated its transition to renewable energy in response to fuel shortages caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Finland will put 427 new wind turbines into service in 2022, adding 2,430 megawatts of capacity. A megawatt can power approximately 1,000 homes, implying that the new turbines could serve over 2.4 million households. The country now has 1,393 wind turbines with a total capacity of 5,677 MW, which could power an estimated 5.5 million homes in a country with a population of 5.5 million.

Over the next few years, wind power capacity is expected to grow by around 1,000 MW per year. The wind is expected to cover at least 28% of Finland’s electricity consumption by 2025, up from nearly 10% in 2021.

Solar is sweeping the renewables revolution in Europe. According to a report from the industry group SolarPower Europe, solar power in Europe will increase by nearly 50% by 2022. It reveals that the EU installed a record-breaking 41.4 GW of solar energy this year, enough to power 12.4 million homes. According to Wind Europe, wind energy currently generates 15% of Europe’s electricity and supports 300,000 jobs across the continent.

The United Kingdom is the largest producer of wind power, but Germany and the Netherlands also have significant markets.

Energies

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