Helsinki has officially closed its last coal power plant, Salmisaari, marking a key step in the city’s pursuit of carbon neutrality. This closure is expected to reduce Helsinki’s carbon dioxide emissions by 30% compared to the previous year and effectively signals the end of coal use in Finland’s energy sector.
Helsinki aims to reach carbon neutrality by 2030, a goal set 20 years ahead of the EU’s target. Eliminating fossil fuels from energy production plays a crucial role in this objective. The city took its first significant step toward green energy transition two years ago with the shutdown of the Hanasaari B plant. Now, the closure of Salmisaari further underscores the city’s commitment to sustainable energy.
“This closure marks a pivotal moment for Helsinki, Finland, and the world. Cities globally are leading the charge against climate change, and Helsinki is determined to be at the forefront. This accomplishment demonstrates our unwavering resolve to eliminate coal from our energy mix,” said Juhana Vartiainen, Mayor of Helsinki.
The closure of the Salmisaari plant will help reduce Helsinki’s emissions by 30%. Since coal accounted for 64% of Helen Ltd’s district heat production in 2022, the city’s decision to close both the Hanasaari and Salmisaari plants within just two years will reduce its CO2 emissions by 43%. On a national scale, this move will cut Finland’s carbon emissions by 5%.
Helsinki has transitioned to a more sustainable energy production model, focusing on electric boilers, heat pumps powered by waste and environmental heat, energy storage, and bioenergy. Helen Ltd now primarily sources electricity from renewable sources like wind, nuclear, hydro, and solar power.
“The closure of Salmisaari represents a crucial milestone on our path to carbon neutrality by 2030. But our work is far from over. We aim to reach net-zero emissions by 2040 and continue striving toward carbon negativity beyond that,” said Deputy Mayor Anni Sinnemäki.
Looking ahead, hydrogen is a promising clean energy solution. Helsinki is heavily investing in this field with projects like the 3H2 Helsinki Hydrogen Hub, a green hydrogen production facility set to open in 2026. The city also sees potential business opportunities for international companies in the hydrogen sector, bolstered by Finland’s clean energy system, high-tech infrastructure, and abundant resources for sustainable hydrogen production
