A sustainable energy transition is more relevant than ever
In recent years, the global geopolitical situation has caused disruptions in the production and transport chains of fossil fuels, as well as significant spikes in oil and natural gas prices. At the same time, worsening climate change and biodiversity loss are creating new risks for Finland’s energy system. It is important to seek ways to manage these risks.
In the Clean Energy System Transition (REPower-CEST) project carried out by Finnish Environment Institute (Syke), Geological Survey o Finland (GTK) and Technical Research Centre of Finland (VTT), an extensive knowledge base and a roadmap for a sustainable energy transition addressed to Finnish society have been produced. The research data, developed through collaboration between nearly 300 experts, helps identify the benefits and drawbacks associated with the energy transition, ensure fairness and minimise harmful impacts.
Implementing a sustainable energy transition requires consideration not only of the functionality of the energy system, but also of many other perspectives: climate and environmental objectives, the availability of critical raw materials, economic and employment impacts, as well as energy security and fairness.
Achieving all sustainability objectives of the energy transition simultaneously is extremely challenging. Different objectives, such as minimising climate and biodiversity impacts alongside economic and social effects, therefore need to be reconciled in an acceptable way. This can be promoted through evidence-based political decision-making.
A sustainable energy transition requires successful international cooperation, the commitment and participation of Finnish society as a whole, and the implementation of sustainability principles in decision-making throughout society.
Development manager Sampo Soimakallio, Finnish Environment Institute (Syke)
Funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Comission. Neither the European Union nor the European Comission can be held responsible for them.