An upper limit on the growth in electricity consumption is being set in Finland for the first time. Consumption will be allowed to grow by only around 10% by the year 2020.
The cabinet reached agreement late Wednesday on a new climate and energy strategy. Part of the plan is a ceiling of 98 terawatt hours on electricity consumption by 2020. Most growth in consumption up until then will be seen in the industrial sector. The strategy aims at energy savings and lower consumption by Finnish households.
"The intention is to ensure that Finnish industries stay here under all circumstances. The development of industry cannot be impeded by a lack of access to reasonably priced, reliable electricity," commented Minister of the Economy Mauri Pekkarinen.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that Finland has targeted complete self-sufficiency in electricity. At present 10% to 15% of consumption is satisfied by imports.
"During the term of this Parliament, there will be a decision on one more nuclear facility, but what will then follow is as of yet undetermined. The Vuotos reservoir plan has been buried for now, while the Kollaja reservoir plan is still being weighed," noted Pekkarinen.