Renewable
energy sources and peat
Finland is one of the world’s
leading countries in utilising renewable energy sources, especially bioenergy. The
renewable energy sources account for one quarter of Finland’s total energy
consumption and in power production their share is close to 30 %. Bioenergy –
particularly wood and wood-based fuels – hydropower, wind power and solar
energy are the most important forms of renewable energy in Finland.
The objective of the National
Climate Strategy is to further increase the use of renewable energy sources and
their share of energy consumption. Besides energy savings, this is one of the
most important means of meeting Finland’s climate targets. The use of renewable
energy sources does not increase carbon dioxide emissions. Furthermore, their
use enhances the goals of employment and regional policy and contributes to
security of supply. Renewable energy also supports the exports of technology in
this sector, which has, in fact, already become a major part of Finnish
exports. A specific action plan for renewable energy is being implemented in
Finland.
The share of renewable energy
sources and peat of total energy consumption and their distribution by source
2003
In Finland peat has been defined
as slowly renewing biomass fuel. It has a substantial share, around 6%, of our
energy balance. As indigenous fuel, peat has a considerable effect on regional
policy, and it increases employment and the security of energy supply. The
National Climate Strategy aims to maintain peat as a competitive fuel for
cogeneration of heat and power.