Helsinki Shuts Down Its Last Coal Plant – A Historic Move for Clean Energy.
Helsinki has taken a major step towards sustainability by shutting down its last coal power plant, Salmisaari, on April 1, 2025. This marks a significant milestone in the city’s journey towards carbon neutrality by 2030, reducing Helsinki’s CO₂ emissions by 30% compared to the previous year. With this closure, coal burning in Finland has effectively come to an end.
A Historic Shift Towards Clean Energy
The transition away from coal has been rapid. In 2022, coal accounted for 64% of Helsinki’s district heat production. However, with the closure of both Hanasaari and Salmisaari power plants in just two years, the city has now cut CO₂ emissions by 43%. On a national level, these changes will reduce Finland’s total carbon dioxide emissions by 5%.
Helsinki is committed to leading the fight against climate change,” says Mayor Juhana Vartiainen. “Closing coal-fired power plants is a crucial step, not only for Finland but for the world.
New Solutions for Energy Production
With the end of coal, Helsinki’s energy production is now fully fossil-free. The city’s energy utility, Helen Ltd, has invested in heat pumps, electric boilers, energy storage, and sustainably produced bioenergy. Helen also generates electricity from wind, nuclear, hydro, and solar power.
“Shutting down Salmisaari is a major achievement, but our work doesn’t stop here,” says Deputy Mayor Anni Sinnemäki. “Our goal is to reach net zero by 2040 and eventually move towards carbon negativity.”
Hydrogen: The Next Big Step
As Helsinki moves towards a diversified clean energy system, hydrogen is becoming a key focus. Helen’s 3H2 – Helsinki Hydrogen Hub is set to begin operations in 2026, positioning Helsinki as a hub for green hydrogen innovation and investment.
Finland offers strong opportunities in hydrogen production due to its clean and cost-competitive electricity system, advanced technology sector, and stable investment environment.
