Energy Transition and the Åland Renewable Energy Initiative
The energy transition demands a dedicated site to pilot and demonstrate a fully renewable energy system that is both technically and economically sustainable. Flexens has identified Åland as the perfect location to develop and build a society-scale energy system based entirely on renewable sources. Åland, an island with excellent wind and solar conditions, a progressive climate and energy strategy, and a population committed to sustainability, will serve as the experimental and demonstration area for this initiative.
Åland boasts ideal conditions for wind and solar power and has an independent electricity system. Solar panel installations on both private and commercial buildings are steadily increasing. Åland has been a pioneer in wind power since the establishment of a wind power park in 1994. Currently, the island's wind turbines can produce about 20% of its annual energy consumption.
Focus of Energy Supply:
- Solar
- Wind
- Heat and Combined Heat and Power (CHP)
- Bioenergy
- Wave Power
- Geothermal
- Energy Storage
Unique Opportunity for Innovation:
Åland will become a unique testing ground for companies to trial new energy solutions. It will serve as a reference for the Finnish export industry and attract international investments, operators, and technology providers. Smart Energy Åland is a partnership involving the public sector, private companies, and the local population.
Key Goals and Priorities:
- Demonstrate a Society Based on 100% Renewable Electricity: Flexens will actively promote investments in renewable generation capacity and work to decarbonize the heating and transportation systems. A flexibility trading platform will be a critical component of this demonstration.
- Citizen Engagement and Prosumer Promotion: The success of the demonstration will rely on the active engagement of citizens and the promotion of the prosumer concept. Cost efficiency and affordability of the implemented technologies will be prioritized.
- Technology Piloting: The demonstration will include the piloting of storage technologies and new digital services.
- Business Development: The project will also serve as a platform for developing new business ventures.
Goals for 2030:
The landscape’s energy and climate strategy for Åland outlines how political energy and climate efforts will be managed in the coming years, contributing to the goals of the Paris Agreement. Smart Energy Åland will be a crucial tool in implementing this strategy. By 2030, the main goals are to:
- Reduce carbon dioxide emissions by at least 60% compared to 2005.
- Increase the proportion of renewable energy to at least 60%.
- Increase the proportion of locally produced renewable electricity to at least 60%.
- Reduce emissions from road traffic by at least 50% compared to 2005.