Gasum study shows that Finnish power system can take up to 30 TWh of wind power

Commissioned by the Finnish Wind Power Association, Gasum studied how much weather-dependent variable wind power the Finnish power system could take in 2030, taking into account the changes visible in the power system. The boundary conditions used in the study included moderate growth in electricity demand, increased nuclear power generation and electricity demand flexibility systems. It was assumed that transmission links would change as already currently planned.

The study shows that the Finnish power system could easily take annual wind power production of up to 25-30 TWh. The Finnish power grid could take this amount of production if the country’s electricity demand grows by around 10-15%. The balancing required by the power system could then be managed by transmission links and the available balancing power without any significant need to increase balance capacity.

”Numerous uncertainties make it difficult to predict major system changes, such as the development of transmission links and the promotion of hydrogen solutions, in the 2030s and beyond. It is clear that there will be major changes during the period studied and that the grid could take considerably more variable production. However, what is certain is that domestic wind power will increase Finland’s self-sufficiency in power generation,” says analyst Markus Herranen, Gasum Portfolio Services Oy, who was responsible for the study.

A start was made in 2018 on building wind power without government support. Investment decisions announced by the beginning of October 2020 show that wind power will meet at least 18% of Finland’s electricity consumption already in 2024.

Gasum is a major actor in the wind power segment and strives to increase procurement of renewable wind power in the Nordic countries. In September, Gasum and ABO Wind Oy entered into a long-term purchase agreement on wind farm output. Under the ten-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), Gasum will begin to sell renewable wind power produced in North Ostrobothnia to is customers starting in 2023.

Gasum sells renewable electricity generated by hydro, wind or solar power or bioenergy to its customers. The company also provides diverse energy market expert services as well as biogas and natural gas for industry, maritime and road transport. Gasum helps customers to reduce their carbon footprint and that of their customers.