Finland's electricity generation is an impressive achievement, with over 91% of its electricity sourced from low-carbon, clean energy. Nuclear power accounts for nearly 38% of this, representing more than a third of the total electricity generation. Wind power contributes almost a quarter, while hydropower provides around 16% and biofuels about 12%. The reliance on fossil fuels is minimal, standing at a little over 5%, with gas and coal making up just over 3% and 2% respectively. Solar energy, though small, is part of the diverse energy mix. Such a position highlights Finland's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and addressing climate change, making it a model for the global community. As it looks to the future, Finland's next challenge involves expanding its clean electricity use to other sectors, like transport, heating, and industry, to further reduce emissions and fossil fuel usage.
Is Electricity Growing in Finland?
Despite this impressive record in green energy, Finland's overall electricity consumption has seen a decrease compared to past levels. In 2024, the average electricity consumption per person was around 15,465 kWh, which is noticeably lower than the 17,795 kWh per person recorded in 2006. This poses a significant challenge, especially when considering the future electrification needs of various sectors. However, there is a silver lining as low-carbon electricity generation has increased, reaching a new high of approximately 14,079 kWh per person in 2024, surpassing the previous record set in 2023 by 421 kWh per person. The growth in clean energy production is encouraging, signifying Finland's directional shift towards a more sustainable energy landscape.
Suggestions
To further increase low-carbon electricity generation, Finland could focus on expanding its widely embraced nuclear and wind capacities. Given that nuclear power contributes substantially to Finland's current electricity mix, the expansion of this sector could ensure a steady, reliable source of clean energy. Similarly, harnessing Finland's favorable wind conditions for additional wind turbines could support increased electricity generation. Additionally, integrating solar energy into regions with adequate sunlight could diversify energy sources further. These strategic expansions would align with Finland's ambitions of reducing fossil fuel reliance and increasing electricity availability for new technologies and electrification demands.
History
Finland's journey in low-carbon electricity generation has been notable over the decades. In the early 1980s, nuclear and hydro power contributed to significant strides, with the addition of 7.4 TWh of nuclear electricity in 1981 and 4 TWh from hydro. The 1990s saw a modest 2.3 TWh increase in hydro power in 1991. The early 2000s featured fluctuations in hydro power with notable increases and decreases, highlighting the variability in hydroelectric output. The wind sector started to emerge in the 2010s, marked by a rise of 2.3 TWh in 2020, continuing to grow robustly into 2023 and 2024 with additional increases of 2.9 TWh and 5.4 TWh, respectively. In parallel, a resurgence in nuclear generation in 2023 with a 9 TWh boost underscores Finland's commitment to cementing its low-carbon energy credentials. This rich history of clean energy developments reflects Finland's proactive initiatives in pursuing a sustainable energy future.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.