Major investments at risk without stronger power grids, report warns

Päijät-Häme could lose millions in investments and hundreds of jobs if Finland’s power grid is not reinforced, the region’s director Ulla-Kirsikka Vainio has warned, citing a new report commissioned by Lahden Seudun Kehitys Ladec.

The study finds that Päijät-Häme’s high-voltage network relies entirely on 110 kilovolt lines, lacking its own unified 400 kilovolt backbone. While the current grid supports regional distribution and modest new production, demand is set to rise sharply.

Some 20 renewable energy projects and several industrial ventures—each consuming hundreds of megawatts—are planned for the region. These include Fortum’s Pennala data centre in Orimattila and DayOne’s facility in Lahti’s Kiveriö district. Ladec director Isto Vanhamäki estimates that dozens more projects could be attracted if power supply is secured.

Vainio and Vanhamäki stress that without grid upgrades, the region risks forfeiting hundreds of jobs and major investments to other areas. Vainio calls for national, forward-looking dialogue on grid development, noting that businesses need swift confirmation of power availability before committing to land purchases or development.

Grid operator Fingrid plans to invest up to €5.2 billion over the next decade to strengthen Finland’s network. However, Jussi Jyrinsalo, Fingrid’s director, says it is impossible to prepare for every potential project in advance. Connection planning typically runs in parallel with project development rather than ahead of it.

Jyrinsalo adds that west-to-south transmission lines are being built proactively due to clear demand, with their capacity expected to double within ten years. Early notification of projects helps streamline progress.

Slow municipal and regional planning processes remain a hurdle, as grid infrastructure requires long lead times. Vainio urges closer cooperation between state authorities, regions, and municipalities, emphasizing the need for public acceptance as power lines reshape local landscapes. She notes that future energy systems will increasingly integrate production and consumption, requiring joint planning to map regional potential.

The report was conducted by energy sector firm Sitema Oy on behalf of Ladec.