Renewable Energy Sources

Finland is one of the world’s leading users of renewable sources of energy, especially bioenergy. Renewable energy sources provide one fourth of Finland’s total energy consumption and account for more than one fourth of its power generation. The country’s most important renewable sources of energy include bioenergy – wood and wood-based fuels in particular –, hydropower, wind power, ground heat and solar energy.

The objective of the national energy and climate strategy is to increase the use of renewable sources of energy and their share of energy consumption. In addition to energy conservation, this is one of the most significant means by which Finland’s climate targets can be achieved. In use, renewable energy sources do not increase carbon dioxide emissions, while promoting employment and regional policy goals and enhancing security of supply. The strategy also supports technology exports for the industry, which are already becoming an important part of Finnish exports.

In Finland, peat is classified as a slowly renewable bio mass fuel. With a share of approximately 6 per cent, it holds a significant position in our energy balance. As a domestic fuel, peat has an important impact on regional policy and employment, and is having a growing effect on security of energy supply. The national energy and climate strategy aims to maintain the position of peat as a competitive alternative in energy production.