Relying on imports
In terms of energy, Finland depends on imports. Domestic energy sources generate only 30 per cent of the energy required, and other sources such as oil, gas, coal and uranium have to be imported. Domestic energy sources include wood, peat, hydropower and wind power. In Finland, the imported energy is used for processing steel and metal products. This process relies on cutting-edge production technology and high-level Finnish expertise.
Energy represents a production input; this is highlighted when we look at the use of electricity. Industry accounts for about half of Finland’s electricity consumption, and about 80 per cent is tied to export products. Through export, Finland is able to finance domestic services, both private and public. It is therefore very important to ensure the sustained competitiveness of Finnish labour and production. One of the key requirements is uninterrupted access to reasonably priced energy.
In Finland, electricity use in 2010 was 87,5 terawatt hours, with industry representing 47 per cent of total use. The technology industries used about 8 terawatt hours. In 2010, net imports accounted for 12 per cent of electricity supply. This equals the production output of one large nuclear power plant.
Total Energy Consumption by Energy Sources in 2009 (PDF, 1 page)
Electricity Use in 2009 (PDF, 1 page)
