Finland reduces electricity transmission from Russia

Finland has decided to restrict the transmission capacity in cross-border connections to Russia, according to Fingrid, Finland’s 53% state-owned, 47% financial institution-owned transmission system operator owned.

The decision came into force on April 24. Fingrid’s move follows those made in the Baltic States earlier. The system operator claimed the restriction was based on its own analysis and has no political undertone, Euractiv reported.

The import capacity in Fingrid’s connections will be a maximum of 900 MW instead of the previous 1,300 MW starting on Sunday (24 April). The export capacity from Finland to Russia will remain unchanged at 320 megawatts.

According to Energy Finland, some 10% of the electricity consumed in Finland in 2021 originated from Russia. Ending energy imports from Russia would not endanger the electricity system. The recently-completed Olkiluoto3 nuclear plant will make the country significantly more self-sufficient.

The coming transmission connection between northern Sweden and northern Finland will also improve the system security.