Electricity and Heating in Finland

Lingoda

When you come to Finland, a good life is one of the very first things that you would be expecting to have. Other than socialising, touring, and having the best that Finland has to offer, you would surely desire to experience the best in terms of housing. A fully furnished combo with electricity running 24/7 with a good heating system will be so satisfying and refreshing.

Well, as most people would say that water is life, I admit that this is true. But one fact I can assure you is that power from electricity and the ability to heat probably is a necessity. These two are some two important things you cannot be able to live without. We all need some warmth to shield us from the cold winter just in the same way electricity to power our phones and lighting. 

But there is no need to worry as houses and apartments in Finland are commonly highly profiled. A proper insulation with a double glare in the presence of well heated during winter all connected to the district heating network. All these costs are part and parcel of the rental agreement without any additional costs. So, what is and how is the heating arrangement in Finland sourced?

Energy in Finland 

When I say energy in Finland, it combines both energy and electricity production, consumption and transmission in Finland. There is however a lack of domestic sources of fossil energy. What this means for Finland is that it has to import a substantial quantity of natural gas, petroleum, and other energy sources.

Finland tops the list among the high energy consuming economies in the EU mainly because of the presence of industries with high energy consumption. Half of Finland’s energy is consumed by industries while the rest is consumed by the high standards of living, heating and transport. Finland burns peat followed by Estonia.

However, the continuous rise in the consumption of energy slowed down and stabilised in the 21st century. This is majorly attributed to a change in industries as there are now less heavy energy consuming industries in Finland today. Besides, there is also an improvement in energy efficiency.

As the Finish population grows and the average number of homes goes up, the energy consumption for heating has hastened. By 2019, at least 2.7 million Finns were already relying on district heating for their homes. Many new homes continue to get their connection to district heating as the usage keeps expanding.

District Heating for Finnish Homes

The world is now awoken on issues concerning climate change and Finland is not left behind. However, heating homes and places of work without having to rely on fossil fuels is one hell of a task and commitment. It possesses a challenge towards the achievement of a zero carbon economy. 

About 50% of Finland’s energy is mainly via carbon-intensive production. It is from burning fossil fuels. It was only by 2017, that 10% of the heating demand was met by production of energy from renewable energy. Recently, the UK declared its intention to do away with domestic gas boilers in Scandinavia, Finland has depicted an extraordinary potential in visible renewable energy technologies. Finland has implemented the use of heat pumps.

Housing in Finland is generally of high quality considering the degree of insulation. Wintertime in Finland has the temperature greatly dropping and the weather becomes chilly in the presence of dark skies. However, this should not be a reason to have you all worked up. Homes are well heated during winter and you would not require the services of a stand-alone heater.

Whatever the type of home or residence one choses in Finland, at least 90% district heating system. District heating supplies heat from a central source directly to homes and business premises through networked pipes with hot water. If you are renting, all the heating costs are included in the rental costs without any additional charges.

Electricity in Finland

In 2009, electricity in Finland’s mode of production was from various sources of energy. 28% was from nuclear power, 16% hydro power, 13% was coal, 11% natural gas, 10% wood fuels and other renewable energy sources. Just 5% of this electricity came from burning peat. Even at that, Finland still imported electricity by 2011. 16% of electricity consumed in Finland came mainly from imported power. 

As a resident of Finland, being a citizen scientist is a normal thing. You don’t want to sit back as an ignorant consumer who accepts everything goes. So, on the climate front, you will be proud that Finland is cutting down emissions big time. Finland dedicated a greater part of its energy production towards the achievement of a green economy. Therefore, about one and half of electricity in Finland is produced with renewable energy sources as of 2020. 

In 2020, production of electricity in Finland reached about 66.6 TWh and 34.7TWh of this was categorically from renewable energy sources. Yes, this is exactly what is a correspondent of the 52% of electricity produced in Finland. This is happening for the very first time in 50 years. Alas! What a great achievement towards a green economy. 

Lingoda