Finland Prioritizes Small Power Users for Grid Access

Finland is set to implement a significant change to its electricity grid connection process, shifting away from a first-come, first-served model. As of January 1, 2027, new regulations will categorize connection applications into four priority groups. Projects requiring 3MW or less, including critical infrastructure and certain storage systems, will receive the highest priority. Data centers are generally excluded from this top tier unless their capacity needs are 1MW or less.

Data centers requiring more than 1MW but up to 10MW will form the second category. To gain higher priority, these facilities must demonstrate flexibility agreements covering at least 80% of peak demand. Projects exceeding 10MW will fall into a third category, without the same production commitment. The government aims for these reforms to encourage large power consumers to consider grid congestion when choosing locations and to contribute to local electricity supply.

Qualifying large energy users will face additional requirements, including securing local generation capacity for 50% of their expected yearly electricity use, with that generation needing to be operational within 36 months. They must also provide flexible generation or demand reduction capabilities. Following these new categorizations, projects will enter a common six-month allocation process, with the first round scheduled for December 2027. These rules may also affect applications already submitted if no binding connection agreements are in place.