Measuring Energy Efficiency
The Finnish Energy Authority has financed a series of studies to analyze energy efficiency indicators in different sectors and to analyze indicator studies (e.g., developed comparison tools) by different bodies. Sectoral studies have been carried out in the recent years for pulp and paper industry, basic metals industry and the commerce sector, and a new study for data centers is underway in 2022. In addition, national energy efficiency trends and underlying drivers are monitored annually (Energy Efficiency Trends).
Energy efficiency is often analysed by different indicators. These indicators try to show the development of energy efficiency within an industrial subsector, a country, or the EU. Part of the indicators can provide good monitoring information, such as those measuring specific energy consumption, but only as long as there are no breaks in the time series.
Unfortunately, oftentimes indicators with poor information value are used in the absence of data for the better ones. Such weak indicators are, e.g., energy intensity (energy consumption per value added) of industry or energy consumption per employee in the services sector.
Even when good indicators can be identified, in the industry sector international comparisons are affected by, e.g., industry structure, process types in heavy industry, degree of integration, raw materials used (virgin vs recycled) and high export volumes of intermediate products from energy-intensive processes.
In the grocery trade sector comparing specific consumption indicators is useful only among of units of the same size, although the same indicators are applicable in different size categories.
The studies made show that the energy efficiency level of Finnish companies is good, even excellent taking into account background factors such as additional challenges posed by the climate or that fuels used to produce sold surplus energy burden the energy balances of those selling it.
Energy Efficiency Studies
Energy Efficiency of Data Centers in Finland (2022)
The energy efficiency of data centers is subject to a lot of new European regulation, which improves the availability of sustainability data, develops energy management and promotes use of the waste heat generated in cooling. In Finland, new data centers are already energy efficient, often use renewable energy, and progress has been made in utilizing waste heat.
Report:
Energy Efficiency of Data Centers in Finland – November 2022
Presentation:
Energy Efficiency of Data Centers in Finland
Energy Efficiency of the Commerce Sector in Finland (2021)
This study investigated energy efficiency indicators in the commerce sector in Finland and compiled results and examples of policies and measures and energy efficiency work already done in the sector. The study includes an estimate of the waste heat potential in the sector. In addition, data was collected on Swedish activities in energy efficiency indicators and in waste heat in the commerce sector.
Despite uncertainties related to the indicators, they suggest that the energy efficiency level of the commerce sector in Finland is good in comparison with international benchmarks.
Report:
Energy Efficiency of the Commerce Sector in Finland – November 2021
Presentation:
Energy Efficiency of the Commerce Sector in Finland
Energy Efficiency of Metals Production Industry in Finland (2020)
The report contains information on the difficulties associated with country- and operator-specific energy efficiency comparisons in metals production industry. Despite the difficulties related to comparability, the results suggest that Finnish plants are very energy efficient compared to both European and global comparators.
Report:
Energy Efficiency of Metals Production Industry in Finland − December 2020
Presentation:
Energy Efficiency of Metals Production Industry in Finland 7.12.2020 (pdf) (1.5 MB)
Energy Efficiency of Metals Production Industry in Finland 7.12.2020
Energy Efficiency of Finnish Pulp and Paper Sector (2019)
The report is a follow-up to the 2018 report. The forest industry was selected for the review due to its relative importance and because the previous decomposition results contradicted the general perception of the sector’s energy efficiency in Finland. The results confirmed the perception of a good level of energy efficiency compared to European comparison countries.
Report:
Energy Efficiency of Finnish Pulp and Paper Sector
Energy Efficiency: Can We Easily Compare Countries (2018)
The 2018 study focuses on the difficulties of comparing different countries. The report examines the decompositions of energy efficiency made by various parties and the Scoreboard tool developed in the EU-funded Odyssee-MURE project.
Report:
Energy Efficiency: Can We Easily Compare Countries?
Presentation:
Energy Efficiency Indicators – Country Comparison
Energy Efficiency Trends
Trends in Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency trend figures are updated annually. The latest update took place in 3.6.2025 using data from 2023.
The latest indicator update with 2023 data:
Energy Efficiency Trends and Drivers – Update with 2023 data
Lea Gynther
Senior Expert