Finland has made a monumental achievement by powering over 90% of its electricity consumption through low-carbon sources. To break it down, nuclear energy alone accounts for almost 40%, while wind energy contributes about a quarter, followed by hydropower at around 14%. Biofuels add another 12% to Finland's clean energy portfolio. Meanwhile, more than 5% of Finland's electricity is imported. This leaves only a small fraction, 4%, generated from fossil fuels like gas and coal, with solar making up a little over 1%. Given this solid foundation in clean electricity generation, Finland is well-positioned for further electrification of transport, heating, and industry—sectors that remain heavily reliant on fossil fuels and that will demand significantly more electricity in the future.

Is Electricity Growing in Finland?

While Finland is doing remarkably well in terms of low-carbon electricity, total electricity consumption per person tells a different story. As of 2026, the per capita electricity consumption stands at about 15,505 kWh, which is 2,290 kWh less than the 2006 peak. The good news is that low-carbon electricity generation per person reached an all-time high of nearly 14,000 kWh, an increase of almost 500 kWh from the previous year. This shows that Finland is making progress in reducing its reliance on fossil fuels, but it's crucial to keep pushing for higher levels of electricity consumption to fuel economic growth and electrification, especially in sectors that have not yet transitioned to low-carbon sources.

Suggestions

Looking forward, Finland can bolster its already impressive low-carbon electricity portfolio by expanding its nuclear and wind energy capacities. These two sources already contribute significantly to the nation's electricity supply, making them ideal candidates for expansion. Further investment in nuclear plants would provide a reliable and constant supply of electricity, while increasing wind power capacity can harness Finland's natural potential for this type of generation. Although solar energy's current share is minimal, encouraging developments in solar technology present a promising opportunity for diversification. By focusing on these areas, Finland can meet the growing demand for electricity as various sectors undergo electrification.

History

In the early 1980s, Finland took significant strides in low-carbon electricity generation by introducing 7.4 TWh of nuclear power and increasing hydropower by 4 TWh. Fast forward to the 1990s, biofuels gained traction with a notable increase of 5.2 TWh in 1990. The turn of the century saw varied fluctuations in hydropower: it declined in 2002 but soon rebounded with increases in 2004 and 2006. The trend continued with peaks and troughs into the 2010s, showing the unpredictable yet vital role of hydropower. In recent years, Finland has seen rapid expansion in wind energy, with significant increases observed in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Notably, nuclear energy received a substantial boost in 2023 with an 8.5 TWh increase, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of Finland’s low-carbon strategy. These historical trends highlight the importance of consistent investment in all forms of clean energy, but especially in reliable, large-scale sources like nuclear and wind.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

* 12M = Last 12 months (Sep 2025 – Aug 2026) — a rolling 12-month period, not a calendar year.