Posts about infrastructure, construction, and municipal engineering.
Clean electricity and a sustainable grid are the infrastructure modern services are built on. The bottleneck is not the supply of electricity but the transmission grid, and the grid’s future is decided by sensible regulation, not by its owner. Data centres can strengthen Finland’s position if built on our own terms. Investment follows a functioning electricity market and predictable regulation, not subsidies. A sudden change to the data centre electricity tax already froze investment decisions, and a price cap would dampen the price signal exactly when it is needed most.
In the capital region, public transport is the only sustainable way to build. HSL’s financing model is on an unsustainable footing: fare rises drive passengers away and feed a vicious circle, flat increases cost most for those who travel furthest, and the infrastructure compensation agreement, unique in the world, distributes costs unfairly. Dismantling it would do more than raising fares. As a Kirkkonummi councillor I voted to join the Western Rail Link, but the council withdrew without assessing the consequences.
Related posts
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Data Centres Can Be Finland's Ace in International Politics
A leaked US cable exposed lobbying against data sovereignty. Data centres can be Finland’s ace in international politics, if we build them on our own terms.
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Stability Brings Investment, Erratic Policy Drives It Away
Google's €13 billion investment came from a functioning electricity market. A price cap would remove the price signal exactly when it is needed most.
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Finland Can Turn Electrification Into a Competitive Edge
Caruna is changing owners, but regulation — not ownership — decides the power grid's future. Finland can turn electrification into a competitive edge.
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The West Railway revealed problems in Kirkkonummi's governance
The West Railway decision revealed shortcomings in Kirkkonummi's strategic planning. The municipality risks bearing the costs without the benefits.
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Lyyra opens new possibilities for Kirkkonummi's future
Kirkkonummi's renovation creates a culture cluster of Fyyri, Lyyra and Rovastinpuisto park. It sets conditions for growth for decades to come.
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I voted for the Western Rail Link
I voted for Kirkkonummi to join the Western Rail Link. The decision determines whether Northern Kirkkonummi gets a commuter rail station.
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Public transport cannot keep getting more expensive
HSL plans significant fare increases for buses and trains. This risks a downward spiral — fewer users means more pressure to raise prices further.
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A growing municipality needs a vibrant centre
Kirkkonummi's centre renovation is a golden opportunity. A vibrant centre attracts residents and businesses — and improves the municipality's finances.
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Our nature is our trump card — year after year
One of Kirkkonummi's greatest attractions is our nature. The participatory budgeting that has just begun has shown this once again.
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New year, familiar poor winter maintenance in Kirkkonummi
Kirkkonummi's winter maintenance has again proved as poor as in previous years. It does not have to be this way — we can choose to demand quality.
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Things were better before
That is, for light traffic — pedestrians and cyclists. What if we stopped building society on the terms of private car use?
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Well planned is half done, but…
The Gesterby school complex project plan has been returned for further preparation three times. Six years of planning, still no new building.