Surge in Wind Power: Finland’s Hydropower Set to Be Overtaken
Wind Power Surges to the Top in Finland
The construction of wind power in Finland is moving at a rapid pace, with predictions that it will become the largest form of renewable energy in the country this year. According to recent statistics from the Wind Power Association, wind power is expected to surpass hydropower as the most used form of renewable electricity production in Finland.
Despite some challenges faced by the industry, such as high interest rates and construction costs, there has been an increase in wind power construction across Central Finland and the Satakunta region. The CEO of the Finnish Wind Energy Association, Anni Mikkonen, emphasized the importance of network connection agreements and the impact of electricity consumption on new investments.
In 2020, hydropower accounted for 18.8 percent of all electricity consumption while wind power covered 18.1 percent. As of June 2021, there are currently over 1,660 wind turbines operational in Finland, with an additional 60 being commissioned this year. These turbines currently produce over 7,000 megawatts of energy which will increase to 8,000 megawatts once ongoing construction projects are completed.
Mikkonen highlighted that more than half of Finnish wind turbines are located in Ostrobothnia but there has been an increase in wind power construction across Central Finland and Satakunta region. She also noted that there is potential for wind power development in Eastern Finland due to a recent working group report highlighting opportunities and challenges in that region.
Overall, despite obstacles like high interest rates and construction costs delaying new investment decisions; The growth of wind power in Finland is seen as a positive step towards sustainable energy production and economic development by many experts.
