The mild weather reduced the need for heating, especially at the beginning of the year. In addition, there was a paper workers’ strike in January-April, which reduced the burning of black liquor, a by-product of the pulp industry, for energy.
The effects of Russian aggression also affected energy consumption, and natural gas consumption almost halved after Russia’s deliveries stopped in May. The increase in the price of electricity also affected the decrease in demand for electricity.
Electricity consumption decreased by six percent compared to the previous year. With the rise in electricity prices, the national electricity saving campaign may have contributed to a more economical use of electricity.
Renewable energy sources remained at the previous year’s level and their share of the total energy consumption was about 42 percent. The amount of renewable energy consumption decreased by five percent compared to the previous year, with the use of wood fuels decreasing by eight percent. On the other hand, wind power production increased significantly, by 41 percent.
“Wind power production reached a new record last year. The share of wind power in total electricity consumption increased significantly compared to previous years and was now 14.1 percent. The increase in wind power production is primarily due to the increase in wind power capacity in Finland.” Sandberg explained.
Nuclear power production also increased significantly last year. The total amount of nuclear energy produced, 264 terajoules, was the highest ever in statistical history and increased by seven percent from the previous year.
“The increase was due to Olkiluoto 3, which was connected to the national electricity grid in March when the trial operation of the plant began,” added Sandberg.
The use of fossil fuels and peat decreased in 2022. The share of fossil fuels in total energy consumption was 33.7 percent, which is the smallest share since the 1950s. In addition to natural gas, coal consumption also decreased.
However, the use of coal increased by seven percent, and low-quality subbituminous coal was used as a substitute for both natural gas and wood energy due to the energy crisis caused by Russian aggression. The decrease in electricity imports also affected the increase in coal consumption.
In summary, the decrease in energy consumption in 2022 was due to several factors, such as mild weather, the paper workers’ strike and the effects of Russian aggression. However, the production of renewable energy, especially wind power, continued to grow, but the production of nuclear power also increased significantly. The use of fossil fuels and peat decreased, but the energy crisis caused by Russian aggression led to an increase in the use of coal.
HT
Source: The Nordic Page