Development of the Electricity Network
Electricity consumption in Helsinki is growing rapidly and is estimated to nearly double by 2028 compared to the 2024 level. The growth is driven in particular by the clean transition, which is leading to the electrification of both heating and transport. The city’s continuous development and population growth also increase electricity demand.
Electrification of Heat Production
In Helsinki, the transformation of heat production is the single most significant factor increasing electricity consumption and the need for electricity transmission capacity in the high-voltage distribution network. Changes in Helen’s district heating production play a central role in this development.
The closures of the Hanasaari (2023) and Salmisaari (2025) coal-fired power plants have reduced Helsinki’s local electricity and heat production capacity. Replacement electricity generation capacity is located outside Helsinki, as a result of which electricity transmission from the national grid to Helsinki has already almost doubled during peak demand situations.
District heat, however, must be produced relatively close to consumption. Electricity-based district heat production—such as electric boilers and heat pumps—increases the need to strengthen the electricity network’s capacity to ensure sufficient electricity supply in all situations.
Electrification of Transport and Ports
The electrification of transport is also significantly increasing electricity consumption in Helsinki. In particular, electricity demand in ports is expected to grow as ports and maritime transport are electrified. The key drivers of this growth are the introduction of shore power for vessels and the electrification of ships.
This development increases the power demand of ports and requires their connection to the high-voltage distribution network, as well as further reinforcement of the electricity network.
Rapid Growth in Helsinki’s Peak Electricity Demand
Over the past two years, peak electricity demand in Helen Sähköverkko’s network has increased by more than 200 megawatts (25%). Strong growth is expected to continue for at least the next two years. By 2028, peak demand is estimated to reach around 1,500 megawatts—almost double compared to 2024—even if none of the projects announced by customers are implemented.
| Year | Actual | Forecast |
| 1910 | 1.00 | 0.00 |
| 1915 | 5.00 | 0.00 |
| 1920 | 8.00 | 0.00 |
| 1925 | 14.00 | 0.00 |
| 1930 | 23.00 | 0.00 |
| 1935 | 25.00 | 0.00 |
| 1940 | 34.00 | 0.00 |
| 1945 | 51.00 | 0.00 |
| 1950 | 58.00 | 0.00 |
| 1955 | 105.00 | 0.00 |
| 1960 | 154.00 | 0.00 |
| 1965 | 218.00 | 0.00 |
| 1970 | 312.00 | 0.00 |
| 1975 | 375.00 | 0.00 |
| 1980 | 444.00 | 0.00 |
| 1985 | 572.00 | 0.00 |
| 1990 | 630.00 | 0.00 |
| 1995 | 647.00 | 0.00 |
| 2000 | 702.00 | 0.00 |
| 2005 | 759.00 | 0.00 |
| 2010 | 813.00 | 0.00 |
| 2015 | 766.00 | 0.00 |
| 2020 | 734.00 | 0.00 |
| 2025 | 987.00 | 0.00 |
| 2030 | 0.00 | 1460 |
| 2035 | 0.00 | 1620 |
A Reliable Electricity Network Is a Critical Part of Helsinki
Helsinki is home to many functions and services that are vital to society and require an uninterrupted electricity supply in all situations. These include, for example, healthcare, public transport and other critical services. For this reason, a high level of reliability is a key objective in the development of the electricity network.
By investing in the resilience of the network, we ensure that everyday services and critical functions continue to operate safely and reliably also during disturbances and exceptional situations.
Over €500 Million in Investments in Helsinki’s Electricity Network
As a result of more than €500 million in investments, Helsinki already has a strong and reliable electricity network. However, the clean transition, urban growth and increasing electricity consumption require significant further development investments—particularly in the main connections of the network.
According to Helen Sähköverkko’s long-term plan, investments in network assets between 2026 and 2035 will exceed €500 million. These investments respond to growing electricity demand and include major capacity-increasing development projects, such as:
- construction of a new 400-kilovolt network
- renewal of the ageing electricity network
- electricity network solutions supporting the development of the Western Boulevard City area
The majority of the investments will be directed at the high-voltage distribution network and substations. In addition, nearly €20 million will be invested in the maintenance and inspections of network assets over the next ten years.
Capacity Map Supports Project Planning
The number of enquiries regarding large electricity connections has increased significantly in recent years. Helen Sähköverkko’s capacity map service provides an open and up-to-date view of available capacity in the distribution and high-voltage networks across different areas.
The service is designed in particular to support project planning and decision-making by business customers and other stakeholders.