Renewables Finland conducted a comprehensive survey on the opinions of national and regional political decision-makers and officials regarding domestic industrial-scale wind and solar power. The survey results indicate that wind and solar power are strongly viewed as integral parts of the future energy system, and there is clear support among decision-makers and officials for expanding both.
According to a survey conducted by Aula Research in summer 2024, wind and solar power enjoy high general acceptance among both national and regional influencers. Among national respondents, 82% support significant or moderate expansion of wind power, and 80% of regional respondents feel the same. Support for solar power expansion is even higher, with 96% of national and 94% of regional influencers favoring significant or moderate growth.
Finnish influencers identify the primary benefits of wind and solar power as increased energy self-sufficiency and reduced emissions to combat climate change. In particular, wind power is seen as beneficial for regional property tax revenues. Respondents expressed a preference for both forms of energy to be built in existing industrial areas, but also identified offshore locations for wind power and decommissioned peatlands for solar power.
“It’s encouraging to see that renewable energy enjoys strong support among national influencers. To meet their desire for renewable energy development in already-built areas, it’s important to consider this in regulatory creation. For example, Finland’s case-by-case approach, which follows noise standards to determine distances between projects and residential areas, has been effective. Keeping property tax revenue directly for the host municipality is also considered an essential benefit and a foundation for project acceptance,” comments Matias Ollila, Advocacy Director of Renewables Finland.
Respondents also shared their concerns about increasing wind and solar power. Concerns mainly centered on the impact of wind turbines or solar panels on landscapes or the surrounding environment. Respondents also noted the importance of finding system-level solutions to smooth out the natural variability in wind and solar production. These themes are also part of Renewables Finland’s strategic work and will be key focus areas for the new association’s activities in the coming years.
Although wind and solar power already have a high level of acceptance, respondents believe it could be further improved through active engagement with local communities and, particularly from a regional perspective, by ensuring that property tax revenue remains within the host municipality.
Download the barometer (in Finnish)
Renewables Finland’s decision-maker barometer was conducted by Aula Research in summer 2024, with data collected between June 17 and August 20, 2024. The survey received 722 responses from both national and regional influencers, with approximately one-third representing a national perspective and two-thirds a regional one.
Contact Information:
Matias Ollila, Advocacy Director, Renewables Finland, +358 40 124 7411, matias.ollila@suomenuusiutuvat.fi
Melina Mäntylä, Partner, Aula Research, +358 40 821 7842, melina.mantyla@aularesearch.fi
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