Helen, one of Finland’s largest energy companies, announced on Tuesday the closure of the nation’s last coal power plant, signaling “the end of the coal era” for the Nordic country.
The Salmisaari plant, situated in central Helsinki, produced electricity and supplied the city’s district heating network while emitting carbon dioxide that contributes to global warming.
With this closure, Helen’s annual CO2 emissions are expected to decrease by approximately 50% compared to 2024 levels, and total emissions in Helsinki will decline by 30%, according to a company statement. On a national scale, Finland’s emissions are projected to fall by 2%.
“The transition away from coal represents a significant step towards clean, self-sufficient, and affordable energy production for Helen,” stated Olli Sirkka, the company’s CEO.
In 2022, coal combustion accounted for 64% of the company’s district heating production, with coal delivered to Helsinki by ship.
By 2025, the company’s emissions are anticipated to represent only 20% of its total emissions in 1990, as reported by the company. However, a reserve of coal will be maintained for potential use “if necessary.”
Finland has committed to completely banning the use of coal in energy production starting May 1, 2029.
