On 1 April 2025, Finland officially turned off its last coal-fired power and heat plant in active production, and no, this is no April fools! The Finnish company Helen Energia converted the Salmisaari plant for a more sustainable future. The shutdown represents a milestone for both the city of Helsinki and the country.

With this single step, the city of Helsinki reduced its overall emissions by around 30%, while on a national scale, Finland’s total emissions dropped by nearly 2%, a great achievement for a country known for its cold winters and high heating needs. Energy company Helen Ltd also cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 50% compared to 2024, and its emissions are now 80% lower compared to 1990.

So how did Helsinki pull this off? Through a smart mix of new electric boilers and a pellet plant, bringing a combined heat output of over 250 MW. Add in waste heat recovery and heat pumps, and the city has a reliable, flexible system to keep homes warm without coal. To achieve this result, Valmet was also engaged to use its technologies and know-how for the plant conversion.

Citizens’ concerns about heating prices are also heard, here is the best part for residents: sustainable doesn’t mean costly. Helen has already reduced district heating prices twice since 2024, proving that a green transition can go hand in hand with affordability.

Salmisaari’s success story is all about building a new kind of energy system that’s self-sufficient, efficient, and community-focused. Finland turned off its last coal-fired power and heat plant, giving a brighter future to its long winters. With the end of coal, Helsinki shows how bioenergy and clean technologies can power cities sustainably while keeping life comfortable for the people who live there. This year, Helsinki Finland officially turned off its last coal-fired power and heat plant in active production for a more sustainable future.