Helsinki Shuts Last Coal Plant, Paving Way for Energy Transition

Finland has officially shut down its last active coal-fired power and heat plant, the Salmisaari facility, marking a significant milestone in the country's transition to renewable energy and a coal phase-out four years ahead of schedule. This closure is expected to cut Helen's carbon dioxide emissions by 50% and contribute to an overall reduction of nearly 2% in Finland's total carbon emissions. The move is part of a broader shift towards renewable sources such as wind, solar, and nuclear power, which have become increasingly prominent, with wind energy capacity doubling since 2020. Despite increasing renewable energy production, the transition comes with financial considerations, as the CEO of Helen noted that a clean energy transition is a societal choice that incurs costs. However, Finland retains some of the lowest electricity prices in Europe, and the shutdown is projected to decrease heating costs for customers. The closure aligns with a 2019 government law aiming to eliminate coal use by 2029, although a reserve for coal will remain for emergencies.