Finland Shuts Last Coal Plant, Embraces Wind Power Completely
Finland, Tuesday, 1 April 2025.
On April 1, 2025, Finland closed its final coal plant, reducing coal use to under 1% and significantly boosting wind power as a clean energy source.
Historic Transformation in Energy Generation
The closure of Helsinki’s Salmisaari coal power plant on April 1, 2025, marks a pivotal achievement in Finland’s energy transition, bringing the nation’s coal power generation to less than 1% of its total energy mix [1][2]. This remarkable transformation represents a dramatic shift from 2003, when coal constituted 23% of Finland’s energy production [3]. The country has achieved this milestone four years ahead of its legally mandated 2029 deadline for complete coal phase-out [1].
Wind Power Leads the Clean Energy Revolution
Wind power has emerged as the cornerstone of Finland’s renewable energy strategy, with capacity more than doubling since 2020 to now supply 25% of the country’s electricity needs [1][2]. This expansion continues with significant new investments, as evidenced by OX2’s announcement today of a €700 million investment in two new wind farms with a combined capacity of 472 MW, projected to generate 1.6 TWh of renewable energy annually [4].
Economic and Security Benefits
The transition to wind power has proven to be economically advantageous while enhancing national security. Wind power has become the largest driver of Finland’s green industry growth, accounting for €26 billion or 44% of all anticipated green industry development [1]. The shift has also significantly reduced Finland’s dependence on imported fossil fuels, particularly from Russia, strengthening the country’s energy independence [2][3].
Global Leadership in Climate Action
Finland joins an expanding group of 14 OECD countries operating coal-free power systems, with 13 more targeting coal phase-out by 2030 [1][2]. The closure of the Salmisaari plant alone will reduce Finland’s total emissions by 5% [1]. As noted by Julia Skorupska of the Powering Past Coal Alliance, ‘Finland’s case confirms that accelerating the shift from coal to clean energy is in countries’ self-interest, as it increases energy security and fuels economic growth’ [2].