According to statistics by Renewables Finland, more than 300 utility-scale solar power projects are planned in Finland, with a total capacity of 26 gigawatts (GW). While not all projects will be realized, the rapidly growing pipeline signals strong sectoral development and demonstrates the vast potential of solar power in Finland. The most active regions for solar development are North Ostrobothnia and Satakunta.
Planning of utility-scale solar power projects is progressing rapidly. Renewables Finland’s project statistics list 313 projects at various stages of development, with a combined capacity exceeding 26 GW. Currently, 12 projects are under construction with a total capacity of 523 megawatts (MW). Most projects are still in the permitting phase, but around 3 GW already have permits in place.
“Utility-scale solar capacity in Finland has grown rapidly, reflecting both the growing interest in the sector and its significant potential. At Finland’s latitude, solar power can be produced as efficiently as in northern Germany, and with continuous improvements in panel technology, the prospects are getting even better,” says Klaara Tapper, Advocacy Manager at Renewables Finland.
Alongside the sunshine, however, there are also clouds on the horizon. “Regulatory development is welcome, and for example a new municipal master plan for solar power is a positive step. However, the proposed Land Use Act includes a zoning threshold of only 10 hectares, which threatens the profitability of medium-sized projects of a few dozen hectares. In addition, unclear wording regarding construction on forest land creates uncertainty. Our message to policymakers this autumn is clear: this new sector needs a predictable and supportive operating environment,” Tapper continues.
The regions with the largest number of planned projects are Satakunta (29 projects), North Ostrobothnia (28 projects) and South Ostrobothnia (27 projects). At the municipal level, the most active locations are Mikkeli (7 projects), Kankaanpää (6 projects) and Kokemäki (6 projects).
In addition, 72 energy storage projects are currently planned in connection with solar farms, with a combined capacity of just under 10 GW.
The information on planned solar power projects is based on data provided by developers and includes projects from preliminary planning to construction. The project list and statistics are updated twice a year.
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