The key question for Finland’s energy policy during the next electoral term is no longer whether electricity demand will grow, but how that growth will be met. The electrification of industry, datacenters, the hydrogen economy, e-fuels and the electrification of transport will significantly increase electricity demand in the coming years. At the same time, clean electricity has become one of Finland’s most important competitive advantages in attracting international investments.
Finland is presented with a major opportunity. Our strengths include a clean electricity system, a stable operating environment and favorable conditions for new industrial investments. However, these advantages cannot be taken for granted. Investments follow clean, competitively priced and reliably available electricity. If sufficient electricity is not available, investments will be made elsewhere.
In this context, offshore wind has a crucial role to play. Offshore wind strengthens Finland’s competitiveness, energy self-sufficiency and security of supply while creating the conditions for new clean industries. It provides large-scale, carbon-free electricity generation that can be developed in coastal areas close to new industrial investments. The offshore wind projects currently under development in Finland have the potential to deliver a substantial amount of clean electricity. Offshore wind produces electricity more consistently than onshore wind, reducing the need for costly balancing power solutions and improving the predictability of electricity generation. This benefits both households and industry.
Creating long-term and predictable conditions for offshore wind development should be a priority for the next government. The sector needs industrial and energy policies that extend beyond electoral cycles and provide investors with visibility into Finland’s long-term ambitions. In addition, offshore grid solutions, efficient permitting processes, and the assessment of financing and risk-sharing mechanisms that enable investments will be among the most important issues during the next electoral term. This is not only about energy. Offshore wind is also industrial policy. It enables datacenters, hydrogen production, electrochemical industries and other energy-intensive investments to be located in Finland. At the same time, it creates new jobs, increases tax revenues and helps build entirely new Finnish value chains.
Finland’s future success will be built on clean electricity. For this reason, offshore wind should not be viewed merely as an individual energy investment, but as a strategic enabler that supports economic growth, the green transition and national competitiveness for decades to come. The upcoming elections should focus above all on how Finland can ensure sufficient growth in clean electricity generation and maintain its position as an attractive destination for investment. Offshore wind is one of the most important answers to this challenge.