How One Capital City Erased Coal in Just Two Years

Helsinki has pulled off what many thought impossible—shutting down its last coal-fired power plant and cutting coal use for heating from 64% to zero in just two years. The Finnish capital’s energy company, Helen, officially ended daily coal burning this week, marking the end of an era for Finland’s power production. The move is part of a broader shift toward renewable energy like wind, solar, and heat pumps, all while keeping energy prices low for consumers. Helen says its carbon emissions will drop by 50% this year, and Finland’s total emissions will fall by nearly 2%.

While a few small backup plants remain, this marks Finland’s near-total exit from coal. Looking ahead, Helen plans to end all burning by 2040 and cut emissions to just 5% of 1990 levels. For a city where heating alone accounts for 20% of the country’s winter energy use, it’s a remarkable transition.

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