Consumption of natural resources

Building the transmission grid requires natural resources. Most power line structures, such as steel pylons and conductors, are made of various metals. In addition, concrete is used for foundations.

We plan the electricity transmission system over the long term, decades into the future, and are a frontrunner in life-cycle management of the transmission grid. In terms of volume, the most important materials used in grid investments are steel, aluminium, copper and concrete. In 2025, the combined total amount of these materials used in Fingrid’s grid construction was approximately 60,500 tonnes, of which concrete accounted for 72 per cent. The materials used are mainly virgin materials, as the availability of recycled materials that meet the technical requirements of transmission grid construction is currently limited. Fingrid works together with its contractors to reduce the consumption of virgin natural resources required for transmission grid construction.

Waste streams are generated in investment projects when new transmission grid infrastructure is built and old structures are dismantled. Decommissioning generates various metals, concrete and wood, among other materials. As the contracting authority, Fingrid requires through its contractual terms that its partners operate in accordance with the waste hierarchy, reducing the amount of waste generated. Waste is sorted in a way that enables the highest possible recycling and recovery rates. We report annually on the total amount of waste generated and on waste treatment methods.

In 2025, the total amount of waste was approximately 15,000 tonnes, of which 96 per cent was recovered and 76 per cent was recycled.