Wind power construction in Finland is booming, with predictions that it will surpass hydropower as the largest form of renewable energy in the country this year, according to the Wind Power Association’s half-yearly statistics. Last year, hydropower was the most widely used form of renewable electricity production in Finland, accounting for 18.8 percent of the total share, while wind power covered 18.1 percent of all electricity consumption.
Finland currently has 1,660 wind turbines operating, with 60 commissioned this year. The existing power plants produce over 7,000 megawatts of energy, and with new plants set to be completed later this year, wind power is expected to produce 8,000 megawatts of energy. Despite this positive outlook, high interest rates and construction costs are causing delays in new investment decisions.
Anni Mikkonen, CEO of the Finnish Wind Energy Association expressed concern about these delays and their impact on future electricity consumption. 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 Satakunta this year. Mikkonen highlighted the potential for wind power development in Eastern Finland and emphasized the benefits of large investments in the region that could help strengthen its economic development.
A recent working group report on wind power in Eastern Finland suggests that despite its challenges and costs it is feasible to invest in wind power development in this region which could have a positive impact on its long term vitality
