Power Generation and Transmission System of Finland

Water power sources in Finland which produce more than half the electrical energy are situated far from the consumption areas, thus necessitating the construction of a long-distance transmission system. Thermal power, which is rapidly gaining in importance and creates new versatility, does not change these conditions. As the economics of transmission system construction depends largely on the cost of lines, special attention was given to line design research and to system operation. This resulted, at an early stage, in adaptation of the guyed towers, characterized by low weight and cost, the design of which, in 110-, 220-, and 400-kV lines, is continuously developed. Switching stations have been simplified, shunt reactors and series capacitors installed, and remote control of voltage at power stations adopted. The economy of generation and transmission is increased by programmed regulation of water storage. Operation experiences are good and statistics display a low number of disturbances.