This would require a ten-fold increase on current levels, but interest in the industry due to the attractive feed-in tariff (FIT) - set as the difference between the electricity market price and the "target" price of EUR 83.5/MWh - means that this could be exceeded. However, the country currently has just 288MW installed, which puts it a long way behind neighbours Sweden and Norway.
In August, the Finnish government allocated EUR 125 million in its 2013 budget to fund the FIT for renewables, which is a significant increase from the EUR 97 million apportioned the previous year. However, getting projects started remains problematic due to a complicated permitting process.
Last year, a government-commissioned report recommended ways of streamlining the permitting process. Finnish ministries and a working group are developing ways to implement these.
A parliamentary vote is expected this year on whether to rubberstamp a EUR 20 million incentive to support a new offshore wind development. The project that wins an upcoming tender will receive both the FIT and the EUR 20 million.
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