Implementation of National Renewable Energy Obligations at the Regional Level

Abstract

The aim of the paper described here was to clarify the potential of decreasing the use of fossil fuels regionally. According to Finnish national obligations, the use of oil and other fossil fuels should be minimised by 2030. The study combines the regional consumption of primary energy sources with national obligations introduced in the national climate and energy strategy. This set up a basis when evaluating the regional state of future energy supply for 2030. The paper utilises the region of South Savo as a case study. In the region, the consumption of renewable energy sources is already above the national average, but it can be increased further by 2030. Wood fuels and especially forest biomass have regionally a major role. Local and national targets, support schemes and willingness to invest play key roles when increasing the use of renewable energy sources in the future.