Reducing the energy use of peat by at least half by 2030.
The Finnish Government has committed to halving Finland’s peat energy output by 2030. Finland wants to ensure that this doesn’t cause too much harm through unemployment or other factors that affect regional economies.
Finns have traditionally used peat to produce heat and electricity. Currently, peat provides around 4% of Finland’s annual energy production. However, it also accounts for 11–12% of emissions – even more than road traffic. Therefore, reducing the use of peat has big environmental, economic and social consequences.
A working group explored ways to ensure the changes resulting from the reduction of peat as an energy source take place in a fair and just manner. This means that the resulting changes do not jeopardise the supply and security of electricity and heat, or cause economic or social harm.
The working group also examined potential alternatives to the energy use of peat, ranging from new, innovative ways of using peat for higher value-added products. Work on the just transition is conducted openly and transparently, including public consultations to hear the citizens’ views.