In the last twelve months, from November 2024 to October 2025, Finland has achieved an outstanding milestone in its electricity sector, with over 90% of its electricity coming from low-carbon sources. Nuclear energy plays a leading role, contributing more than one-third of the overall electricity generation. Wind power is also a significant player, supplying over a quarter of the electricity. Hydropower and biofuels account for around 15% and 11% respectively, making substantial contributions to the clean energy mix. Net imports add about 6% to the electricity consumed, while fossil fuels, led by coal, make up a minor share of less than 4%. This impressive reliance on low-carbon electricity highlights Finland’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. However, as Finland looks forward to electrifying more sectors such as transport, heating, and industry, the demand for clean electricity will undoubtedly increase.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember, ENTSOE, Eurostat and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Finland?
Despite the dominance of low-carbon electricity, the total electricity consumption per capita in Finland has decreased since its peak in 2006. Today, each person consumes around 15,050 kWh of electricity per year, which is a notable drop compared to the historic record of 17,795 kWh/person. On the bright side, though, the generation of low-carbon electricity has reached new heights, with each person using approximately 13,561 kWh of clean electricity annually. This marks a modest but positive increase from the previous high recorded in 2024. This shift underscores Finland’s strides in enhancing sustainable electricity generation, yet it also signifies a challenge as the country looks to balance electricity demand with this commitment to low-carbon growth.
Suggestions
To meet the rising future demands for clean energy, Finland can focus on expanding its existing nuclear and wind capabilities. These two forms of low-carbon electricity have already shown significant contributions to the national grid, making them prime candidates for further growth. Nuclear power, with its vast potential for consistent, high-output electricity, can provide a strong backbone for Finland's clean energy aspirations. Simultaneously, investments in wind farms can leverage Finland’s geographical advantages and technological advancements, ushering in even greener electricity. Additionally, given the global urgency to phase out fossil fuels due to their detrimental environmental impacts, Finland's strategy of bolstering nuclear and wind generation aligns with the goals of climate change mitigation and sustainable development.
History
The development of low-carbon electricity in Finland has seen remarkable progress over the decades. In the early 1980s, nuclear power experienced a significant surge, increasing by 7.4 TWh, coinciding with strong growth in hydropower. The 1990s saw biofuels taking off with a 5.2 TWh boost in 1990, followed by fluctuating fortunes in hydropower through the 1990s and 2000s. However, it wasn’t until recently, in 2023, that nuclear energy once again surged with an impressive 8.5 TWh increase, while wind energy has seen a unprecedented continuous rise since 2022, contributing significantly to the clean energy supply. With such promising advancements, Finland's robust commitment to expanding its nuclear and wind capabilities sets a bright trajectory for achieving a fully sustainable electricity sector.
