One of Finland’s greatest strengths lies in renewable electricity and the industries that use it. Finland has a large number of new wind and solar power projects that are ready for construction, have completed zoning processes or are under development. These projects can enable new industrial investments, jobs and economic growth in Finland. Renewables Finland believes that harnessing investments in renewable energy and the green transition will be one of the next government’s most important actions for the economy, security and climate.
The need for new electricity generation is growing rapidly as Finland seeks to attract new electricity-intensive industrial investments. At the same time, existing industries are becoming increasingly electrified as they reduce their use of expensive and polluting fossil energy. Industrial growth and the transition of existing industries towards cleaner production methods will require more electricity during this decade. The only way to add enough new, affordable electricity generation to meet the needs of industry and society as a whole is through domestic wind and solar power.
“The next government does not need to reinvent the building blocks of Finland’s growth. Instead, it should focus on long-term consistency. Renewable energy can rescue Finland’s economy while also building a safer and more secure society – from the perspectives of both national defence and the climate. Finland has an enormous number of renewable energy projects under development, and companies are ready to invest. As we build more renewable energy, we must also safeguard biodiversity. Climate and nature must not be set against each other,” says Anni Mikkonen, CEO of Renewables Finland.
Renewables Finland proposes four solutions for Finland’s growth
- Long-term consistency in renewable energy policy
Finland’s energy and investment policies must remain predictable beyond individual government terms. Political parties and ministries must work together to prepare a roadmap for green transition and renewable energy investments covering at least two parliamentary terms, from 2027 to 2035. Companies must be able to trust that Finland will remain an attractive investment environment in the years ahead.
- Accelerating green transition industries
Attracting new industries to Finland requires a sufficient supply of competitively priced renewable electricity. Wind and solar power construction must be enabled throughout Finland, and unnecessary barriers to investment must be removed. In particular, obstacles to wind power construction in eastern Finland must be addressed, while permitting processes for solar power must remain smooth and efficient.
Unless electricity generation is distributed more evenly across Finland, the transmission grid will not be strengthened and electricity-based investments will not be established throughout the country. There is a risk that eastern Finland will be left behind in green transition investments. A more even geographical distribution of electricity generation would also moderate fluctuations in electricity prices. Offshore wind power has an important role in balancing electricity generation and producing large volumes of electricity, particularly for the needs of industrial investments.
- A flexible electricity system can make full use of renewable electricity
The market-based operation of the electricity market must be preserved, and the flexibility of the electricity system must be increased. Industrial policy incentives should be directed particularly towards investments that can take advantage of flexible electricity consumption and convert renewable electricity produced in Finland into high-value products.
- Reconciling nature and renewable energy
Solving the climate crisis and safeguarding biodiversity must not be treated as conflicting objectives. Finland needs national guidelines for reconciling wind power development with species protection in a way that enables further construction of renewable electricity generation. Responsible renewable energy and green transition projects are good examples of climate action that benefits the climate, the economy and security. The renewable energy sector aims for solar and wind power projects to have a net-positive impact on nature by 2030.
Read more about Renewables Finland’s objectives for the 2027 parliamentary elections (in Finnish)
This text has been translated using artificial intelligence.
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