According to Jukka Leskelä, the CEO of Finnish Energy, wind power accounted for 21.5% of Finland's electricity generation in the first quarter of 2023.
This substantial increase of 50% compared to the previous year was made possible by a 2,000-megawatt expansion of wind power capacity, ranking it as the fifth-largest capacity increase globally. Despite wind farms having a lower electricity output than nuclear power plants with the same nominal capacity, the increased renewable energy capacity presents an opportunity to attract foreign investments to Finland.
The Finnish energy industry emphasizes the importance of discussions centered around utilizing the country's growing capacity for emission-free electricity and attracting industrial investments. As renewable electricity production significantly rises, there is a need for effective power regulation solutions. Local district heating systems are also highlighted as a strength, providing flexibility to the energy system and enabling competitive production of hydrogen. The upcoming Finnish government is urged to play an active role in promoting investment opportunities, both domestically and within the EU, positioning Finland as a larger player in the renewable energy sector.
Source: helsinkitimes.fi