Gasgrid Finland Oy, a state-owned gas company are set to develop hydrogen transmission infrastructure, as well as establish a hydrogen market in Finland.

Accelerated by current geopolitical events, the Finnish Government has made the announcement in an effort to rapidly scale back reliance on Russian oil and gas, as well as meeting its own ambitious target of carbon neutrality by 2035.

Aligning with the REPowerEU plan published by the European Commission, Finland’s forthcoming Climate and Energy Strategy states the nation’s energy supply should be decentralised, diversified, and reliable.

Currently in its draft stages, the strategy lays emphasis on preparedness for coordinated national development of hydrogen related infrastructure, ahead of regulatory framework.

Mika Lintilä, Minister of Economic Affairs, said, “The Government wants that, before the end of this parliamentary term, measures are taken to promote investments required for the transfer and distribution of hydrogen.

“The key guidelines for the hydrogen economy are included in the Climate and Energy Strategy, which will be submitted to Parliament on the week beginning Monday 27 June. The political decision made by the Government’s Ministerial Committee on Economic Policy (TALPO) gives a preview of the hydrogen section of the strategy.”

H2 View understands, a subsidiary, VetyVerkko Oy, will be founded by Gasgrid, aimed at hydrogen, utilising current financing arrangements and cash flow from its business operations.

Annika Saarikko, Minister of Finance, who is responsible for overseeing Gasgrid Finland, commented, “Gasgrid’s hydrogen business is an excellent continuation of the Government’s determined energy policy.

“Hydrogen-based solutions enable us to reduce both emissions and the price of energy. At the same time, we are also improving our energy self-sufficiency. This opening will put Finland at the forefront of the hydrogen economy.”

With well established renewable energy infrastructure, Finland appears to be in a strong position to make the transition to utilising green hydrogen nationally.

In 2021, a report from Hydrogen Cluster Finland said that Finland must create a ‘world-leading’ hydrogen ecosystem to meet its climate goals, utilising its renewable electricity resources, energy infrastructure, and technology companies.

Read more: Finland must create a world-leading hydrogen ecosystem, says report

Olli Sipliä, CEO of Gasgrid Finland, explained, “Finland has excellent wind power resources, highly competitive electricity price and stable social structure. Advanced energy networks will enable Finland’s competitiveness on the global market in the creation of value chains, investments, and jobs in the hydrogen economy.

“Finland’s leadership and expertise in the development and implementation of renewable energy and sustainable technology solutions will also be a significant advantage in international competition. Finland has every possibility to become a leading country in the hydrogen economy, but we must be able to get the message across internationally.”