Finland is making impressive strides towards sustainability with more than 91% of its electricity now coming from low-carbon sources. Nuclear energy holds the largest share, contributing almost 38% of the country's electricity, while wind power accounts for nearly a quarter. Hydropower, too, plays a significant role, generating close to 16.5%, and biofuels add approximately 12% to the mix. In contrast, fossil energy usage in Finland is minimal, at just over 5%. Despite this achievement, to electrify sectors such as transport, heating, and industry, Finland will need to significantly increase its electricity generation capacity. This shift is crucial not just for maintaining environmental integrity but also for supporting economic growth through green technologies.
Is Electricity Growing in Finland?
Electricity consumption in Finland experienced a decline over recent years. In 2024, the per capita electricity consumption was roughly 15,465 kWh, down from the 17,795 kWh record set in 2006. This drop of 2,330 kWh per person is significant, painting a picture of reduced overall demand or enhanced efficiency in electricity use. However, on a positive note, the country's low-carbon electricity generation has reached new heights. In 2024, the low-carbon generation per capita was approximately 14,079 kWh, 421 kWh more than the 2023 record. While the overall consumption paints a worrying picture, the continued improvement in clean energy generation is a silver lining.
Suggestions
Given the extremely high effectiveness of nuclear and wind power in Finland, their expansion offers a viable path towards meeting future energy demands. Building new nuclear plants and increasing wind farm capacity can ensure a steady supply of sustainable electricity, crucial for further decarbonization. Solar energy should also be considered as an additional resource, complementing these efforts with its minimal environmental footprint and potential for development. By focusing on these proven energy sources, Finland can bolster its electricity infrastructure, ultimately aiding in the transition to a fully electrified and sustainable economy.
History
Historically, Finland has shown a dynamic growth in low-carbon electricity, especially since the early 1980s. In 1981, the country made a significant leap with a substantial increase in nuclear power capacity, a trend continuing robustly until 2023 when another remarkable boost was recorded. Despite some fluctuations in hydroelectric generation through the 1990s and early 2000s, Finland has achieved positive growth in more recent years, such as the noteworthy increases in 2012 and 2020. Wind energy is a relatively new but rapidly growing force starting from around 2020 and accelerating in the subsequent years, with particularly strong contributions from 2022 onwards. Clearly, the commitment towards bolstering low-carbon sources has remained a national priority. These insights into Finland’s historical energy landscape highlight the potential to further expand nuclear and wind capabilities, ensuring a reliable and clean energy future.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.