In Finland, wind power is rapidly gaining ground as the country’s largest form of renewable energy. 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 this year.
As of June 2021, there are already 1,660 wind turbines operational in Finland, with 60 new ones commissioned this year. These turbines currently produce over 7,000 megawatts of energy and will increase to 8,000 megawatts once ongoing construction projects are completed.
Despite the positive outlook for wind power, there are challenges faced by the industry that need to be addressed for further expansion. High interest rates and construction costs are delaying new investment decisions and impacting network connection agreements. The CEO of the Finnish Wind Energy Association, Anni Mikkonen, emphasized the importance of these factors in new investments and highlighted the potential for wind power development in Eastern Finland.
While more than half of Finnish wind turbines are located in Ostrobothnia, there has been an increase in wind power construction in Central Finland and the Satakunta region. Mikkonen also noted that a recent working group report highlighted opportunities and challenges in Eastern Finland that could lead to further development of wind power in that region.
Overall, while obstacles remain for further expansion of wind power in Finland, it remains a positive step towards sustainable energy production and economic development.
