Finland’s last coal-fired power and heat plant, located in Salmisaari, Helsinki, will be permanently shut down on April 1, 2025. This marks a significant milestone in Finland’s transition away from coal, following a 2019 government decision to ban its use by 2029. The closure is part of a broader shift towards renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, which have rapidly expanded in recent years. The Helsinki-based energy company Helen, which owns the plant, expects this move to significantly cut emissions and stabilize energy costs for its customers.
To replace coal, Finland is focusing on a sustainable energy system that integrates clean electricity, a flexible district heating network, and digital solutions to optimize energy efficiency. Helen has played a leading role in this transition, reducing its emissions by 40% in 2023 after closing the Hanasaari power plant. With the shutdown of Salmisaari, the company will eliminate coal from its energy mix entirely. Helen is also the first Finnish energy company to receive approval from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) for its emission reduction goals, ensuring a long-term commitment to carbon neutrality.