Winter peaks of consumption reliant on imported electricity

The aim of self-sufficiency with regard to electricity production regardless of conditions is still challenging for Finland, and our dependency on imports is likely to remain during the coming winter. It would appear that the Finnish condensation capacity will be wound down as a result of profitability and environmental requirements. Next winter, Finland’s electricity deficit is expected to increase during peak consumption to more than 2,000 MW.

 

On an annual level, no great changes have taken place in electricity consumption in Finland, and so the peak consumption this winter is also expected to remain at the same level as last winter. Peak consumption depends strongly on the temperature, and a 10-degree fall in temperature increases electricity consumption by 1,000 – 1,500 MW.

 

During times of peak consumption, there is about 12,800 MW of electricity production capacity available. Production capacity has decreased in comparison to last winter, because of the reduction in production in the peak load capacity system and the closure of the Inko power plant units. Wind power production is increasing in Finland, but has hardly any significance as a source of production during peak consumption on a cold winter day.

 

Electricity transmission connections from neighbouring countries are more than enough to cover Finland’s shortfall. Import possibilities will increase significantly once the new undersea cable connection EstLink 2 has been introduced between Estonia and Finland with transmission power of 650 MW. The total import capacity from neighbouring countries will then be more than 5,000 MW. 

 

 

By utilising demand-side management, electricity consumption can be reduced during periods of high consumption. Demand-side management also plays a significant role in ensuring the sufficiency of electricity during peak consumption. During peak consumption, there is a lack of electricity, so the price increases on the market. The possibilities also to utilise demand-side management in domestic consumption have increased thanks to new remotely-readable electricity meters and electricity contracts priced hourly according to the electricity sellers’ exchange.

 

 

Today, 2 December 2013, Fingrid is organising a seminar at Finlandia Hall, dealing with the significance of the electricity system to society.  The speeches at Fingrid’s System Security Seminar can be followed online, as they will be broadcast through webcasting. The seminar programme will begin at 1.00 pm, and can be followed live online until 4.00 pm or later as a video recording.

 

Further information:

Jukka Ruusunen, President & CEO, tel. +358 (0)40 593 8428

Senior Vice President Reima Päivinen, tel. +358 (0)40 556 2662

 

Webcasting for the System Security Seminar:
http://wms.magneetto.com/fingrid/2013_1202_kayttovarmuuspaiva/view