Renewable energy
Renewable energy is electricity production based on continuous natural flows: wind, hydro, solar and biomass. In the Finnish power system, renewables account for over half of the mix.
Finland's renewable electricity sources as annual averages: hydro ~15–20 %, wind ~15–25 %, solar 1–3 %, biomass (including CHP) ~10–15 %. Together they make up 45–60 % of Finnish production — the range reflects annual rainfall and wind conditions.
In electricity contracts, "renewable" means certificate-of-origin verified renewable: the company has bought a matching volume of certificates from plants generating from wind, hydro, solar or biomass. The most common certificate-of-origin products in Finland rely on wind and hydro.
The EmpCo Directive from 27 Sept 2026 allows the claim "renewable energy" when verified with a certificate of origin. Generic phrases such as "green" or "environmentally friendly" without evidence are prohibited.
Renewable energy sources in Finland
Wind — about 20 % of Finnish production in 2024. The largest single renewable source and growing.
Hydro — annual average 15–20 %, varies with rainfall. Finnish hydro is mostly in Northern Finland.
Biomass — mainly forest-industry by-products in CHP plants. About 10–15 % of total production.
Solar — still small (1–3 %) but growing. In summer months the share can briefly reach 5–8 %.
Geothermal and wave power are marginal in Finland.
Renewable vs fossil-free — the distinction
These two terms are close but different. Renewable is a subcategory of fossil-free:
Renewable = wind + hydro + solar + biomass. Continuous natural flows.
Fossil-free = all of the above + nuclear. Fossil-free is a broader set.
Nuclear is not renewable (uranium is mined), but it is fossil-free (does not burn coal, oil or gas).
Certificate-of-origin contracts usually pick one — "100 % renewable" or "fossil-free".
Renewable energy in your contract
If you want certificate-of-origin verified renewable electricity, these are common Verrokit comparison picks:
Aalto Huoleton — 100 % renewable (wind + solar + hydro), open-ended
Nordic Green Energy Uusiutuva pörssisähkö — wind + hydro, spot-priced
Vihreä Älyenergia Vire Tuuli — 100 % wind, spot-priced
Vattenfall Ilmasto Mix 24 kk — hydro + wind + nuclear (fossil-free, partly renewable)
Premium vs standard products is typically 0–0.5 c/kWh — sometimes 100 % renewable is even cheaper.
Frequently asked questions
What is the renewable share of Finland's electricity?
In 2024 about 50 % total (wind 20 %, hydro 15 %, bio 12 %, solar 2 %). The share grows about 2–3 percentage points per year mainly through new wind projects.
Is renewable electricity more expensive?
Usually not significantly. The certificate-of-origin premium is 0.1–0.8 c/kWh — e.g. 5,000 kWh annual consumption 5–40 € per year. Many retailers include renewables in all contracts at no extra charge.
Is nuclear power renewable?
No. Nuclear is fossil-free (does not burn coal, oil, gas) but not renewable because uranium is a mined raw material. The EU taxonomy classifies nuclear as "sustainable".
See also
- Wind power — Wind power is electricity generated by wind turbines. Finland's largest renewable source and a strong driver of the…
- Certificate of Origin — An EU-supervised certificate (Guarantee of Origin, GO) that confirms an equivalent amount of electricity has been produced by…
- Fossil-free — Fossil-free electricity means certified-origin electricity that is NOT produced with fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas). Includes nuclear power…