Finland experiences battery boom with new storage solutions for renewable energy

In Finland, three-meter-tall containers have appeared quietly in forests, fields, and along highways, looking unassuming but packed with technology. These containers serve as battery storage units, available in various sizes, often resembling a box placed atop a concrete base. Their presence has rapidly increased across several municipalities, with ongoing processes for permits or planning solutions in many areas.

The battery storage systems are designed to stabilize fluctuations caused by solar and wind energy. Nwj Fin Oy, a subsidiary of the French NW Group established in 2022, is among those seeking permits to lease land for these facilities, either from municipalities or private owners. The company’s CEO, Harri Vesa, has refrained from commenting on the matter and redirected inquiries to France. According to Laura Perren, communications director of NW Group, they aim to wait until their solutions are operational in Finland before engaging further with the media.

Finland is currently experiencing a battery boom, as numerous domestic and foreign companies are investing in battery storage systems. The concept is straightforward: batteries charge when electricity is abundant and cheap, and discharge when supply is lower and prices rise. This technology is particularly crucial as Finland becomes increasingly reliant on wind energy, which can create supply gaps.

According to Mikko Heikkilä, head of strategic network planning at Fingrid, hundreds of megawatts of battery storage are already connected to the grid, with many more under development. Over 10,000 megawatts of inquiries have been filed, indicating a significant demand for these systems. As battery capacities expand, they could help moderate fluctuations in electricity costs, benefiting consumers in the long run.