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illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Euronews or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: Finland officially closed the Salmisaari coal power plant in Helsinki on 1 April, effectively bringing coal’s share of the country’s energy mix to below 1%
• This milestone puts Finland four years ahead of its legally mandated coal phase-out target set for 2029
• Power utility Helen cites improved competitiveness and lower consumer energy prices as key benefits of the transition
🔭 The context: Since 2020, Finland has more than doubled its wind energy capacity, now supplying a quarter of national electricity
• Only three coal plants remain, with two set to stop coal use by 2026 and the third held in reserve
• The 2019 coal ban law and a €22.8 million support package have driven a rapid energy shift
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Phasing out coal reduces Finland’s emissions by 5% and ends reliance on Russian fossil fuel imports
• The country now demonstrates that clean transitions can enhance both energy security and affordability
• Finland’s leadership highlights how firm policies and investment in renewables can deliver swift decarbonisation
⏭️ What's next: Campaigners urge Finland to avoid biomass and nuclear delays, calling instead for an acceleration of wind, solar, and grid flexibility
• Finland’s progress may inspire stronger coal phase-out pledges in 2025’s new climate targets (NDCs)
• The Powering Past Coal Alliance encourages other countries to follow suit for economic and climate resilience
💬 One quote: “Wind alone has more than covered the gap left by coal and fossil gas, proving that renewable energy can be scaled fast,” — Cyrille Cormier, Deputy Campaign Director, Beyond Fossil Fuels
📈 One stat: Coal power in Finland has declined 73% since 2020, falling from 2.44 TWh to 0.67 TWh
See here detailed sustainability performance of companies like Fortum, Ørsted, and Vattenfall
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