Finland's energy landscape is undergoing a remarkable transformation, achieving record-breaking electricity production while simultaneously exporting power – a feat rarely seen during peak demand! This is a testament to the country's evolving energy mix and its ability to meet its needs even in the face of extreme weather. Jukka Leskelä, Managing Director of Finnish Energy, highlighted this achievement, noting that on Saturday evening, electricity generation reached an impressive 15,438 megawatts (MW) between 6 and 6:15 pm.
But how is this possible? The answer lies in a combination of factors. Brisk winds played a crucial role, significantly boosting electricity production. This surge in production occurred despite the fact that demand was near an all-time high, driven by a severe cold snap that gripped much of the country. Finland also experienced its coldest temperature this winter, a bone-chilling -42.8 degrees Celsius.
And this is the part most people miss... Finland's ability to export electricity even during peak consumption is a significant development. According to Fingrid, the transmission grid company, Finland's all-time electricity consumption record was reached this week, with usage spiking to 15,553 MW on Thursday evening. The moderate electricity prices also played a role, as consumers didn't hesitate to use electricity, unlike previous instances when prices were high.
On Sunday afternoon, Finland remained a net exporter, with production and consumption hovering around 13,000 MW. The average spot price remained moderate at about 11.80 cents per kilowatt-hour. In stark contrast, the country briefly recorded its highest-ever spot price of 2.35 euros per kilowatt-hour on January 5, 2024.
Looking back, consumers in Finland enjoyed the third-cheapest electricity in Europe last year. In the first nine months of last year, total electricity consumption rose by one percent compared to the same period in 2024. However, overall energy consumption fell by the same margin, with fossil fuels and peat consumption dropping by nine percent. This indicates a shift towards more sustainable energy sources.
Here's where it gets controversial... Close to half of all energy consumption came from renewable sources last year. In 2025, over 1,000 MW of new wind power capacity was installed, bringing the total capacity to almost 9,500 MW. Industrial solar power capacity more than doubled to 352 MW. According to Statistics Finland, 95 percent of Finland's electricity production was based on fossil-free energy in 2024. Wind power surpassed hydropower as the second-biggest mode of electricity production, covering 37 percent of consumption, just behind nuclear power's 38 percent.
What do you think about Finland's approach to energy? Do you believe other countries should follow suit? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
