Publications

Survey of Energy Resources 2007

Wind Country Notes

Finland
The country possesses a considerable wind energy potential, estimated at more than 300 MW onshore and 10 000 MW offshore and this will play a rôle in meeting Finland's target of 31% of electricity generation from renewable sources by 2010 (although it is foreseen that most of the increase in renewables will be met by biomass). In 2001 the National Climate Strategy included a target for installed wind capacity of 500 MW by 2010 and a vision of 2 000 MW by 2025. By 2004 it was clear that the funds available were inadequate for the 2010 goal to be met. With the present circumstances (funding and regulatory conditions), a more realistic target has been set at 300 MW by 2010.

By end-2005 total installed grid-connected wind energy capacity stood at 82 MW (unchanged from 2004) and by end-2006 had only grown to 86 MW. However, there are projects representing more than 150 MW in various stages of development. Seven plants (totalling 44 MW) are currently either under construction or planned for operation during 2007 and a further 124 MW is planned for 2008.

Wind-powered generation provided 0.2% of national electricity consumption during 2005. In 2006 it was expected that wind would supply 10% of demand in the Åland islands, an autonomous region between Finland and Sweden having its own legislation and energy policy.

There is no specific wind energy research programme but two related programmes (DENSY - Distributed Energy Systems, launched in 2003) and CLIMBUS (Business Opportunities in Mitigating Climate Change, launched in 2004) aim to develop the technological aspects for an enhanced future wind sector.