European Commission Vice-President for Energy Union Maroš Šefčovič on 12 October arrived in Finland for the Energy Union tour.
Ahead of his visit, Vice-President Šefčovič said: «I am pleased to see that Finland has already made excellent progress towards its energy efficiency and renewables targets for 2020. In addition, I look forward to discussing the Baltic Connector pipeline, which is scheduled to be operational by 2020 and is partly funded by the EU's Connecting Europe Facility. It will end Finland's gas isolation and lead to a more competitive wholesale and retail gas, in addition to enhancing the region's security of supply.»
Finland's energy mix includes a much higher share of renewable energy (33% vs 13%) and a higher share of nuclear energy (19% vs 14%) than the average for the EU as a whole.
Finland's electricity generation is almost 80% carbon free and it has already exceeded its renewables target for 2020.
The country imports less energy (in proportion to its energy needs) than the EU average, but it still imports almost all of its natural gas and oil, mainly from Russia.
The planned Baltic Connector pipeline will connect Finland with Estonia and make it possible for gas to flow between Finland and the Baltic states.
This will give Finland access to gas from a wider range of suppliers and increase energy security in the region.
Finnish industrial policy has embraced low-carbon innovation strategies.
Finland invests more per unit of GDP in Energy Union related research and innovation than any other EU country.
During his visit, the Vice-President will meet Kimmo Tiilikainen, Minister for Housing, Energy and the Environment and members of the EU Committee of the Finnish Parliament.
During his visit, discussions will be focused on the EU, the financial instruments it will make available to Finland to support development activities and energy innovation, and the country's national energy and climate plan.