Finland is often known for its snowy winters, vast forests, and dependence on nuclear energy and bioenergy. However, a series of energy transition studies from LUT University show that solar energy could be a significant component of Finland’s energy strategy. The research reveals that solar energy could be the most cost-effective way for Finland to achieve a highly renewable energy system by 2050.<\/p>\n
Finland’s solar energy capacity is expected to increase from approximately 2 GW in 2023 to 68 GW by 2050. This will account for 62% of the country’s total installed electricity capacity and 30% of the electricity generated. The research covers various scenarios that show the most cost-effective path for Finland’s energy system.<\/p>\n
One reason for Finland’s high solar energy potential is the “Nightless Night” phenomenon. In regions like Lapland, sunlight is available 24 hours a day during the summer months. This creates a seasonal complementarity with wind energy sources. While wind power dominates in the winter months, solar energy takes over in the spring and summer, filling the electricity production gap.<\/p>\n
The research shows that the value of solar energy lies not only in its annual yield but also in its seasonal timing. Solar energy, which dominates in the summer, allows wind energy to be harvested in the fall and spring and bioenergy to be used as a flexibility provider. This creates a strong renewable energy foundation throughout the year.<\/p>\n
Finland has committed to tripling its global nuclear capacity by 2050, but the research shows that nuclear energy cannot compete with solar and wind energy. The annual system costs of new nuclear power plants are 71-84% higher than those of renewable energy systems. Even with very optimistic financial assumptions for nuclear energy, a solar and wind energy-based system remains 37% cheaper.<\/p>\n