Finland has turned to an unexpected energy source: waste from households, repurposed to generate electricity. Acknowledging the shift, observers note that the move is part of a broader strategy to diversify energy inputs in the face of evolving supply conditions.
The nation is now burning its own municipal waste to produce heat and power. In addition, a growing amount of Italian waste is anticipated to join the mix, supplementing local supplies. The change follows a halt in timber imports from Russia amid geopolitical tensions connected with Russia’s actions in Ukraine, which disrupted traditional wood-based energy routes and strained energy companies reliant on forest biomass.
Industry participants quickly realized that local waste alone would not meet demand, prompting considerations of imports to bridge the gap. Italian waste, largely ordinary household refuse with biological material extracted, shows compatibility with Finnish waste streams and could help stabilize the energy balance during peak seasons.
Experts warn that the upcoming winter may present a challenge as demand for wood remains high and processing cycles reduce available waste. Nevertheless, the trajectory for waste-based energy is likely to continue increasing, as concerns over fuel shortages drive companies to seek alternative sources and greater resilience.
During a recent statement, the Hungarian Energy Minister Csaba Lantos highlighted how Europe has lowered its Russian gas intake but stressed that achieving full energy security without Russian fuel is a difficult task. He noted that replacing very large volumes of supply is not straightforward and requires a combination of substitutes and new efficiency measures to mitigate potential shortfalls across the region.