HYDROGEN
Gasgrid opens the valves for the hydrogen economy Finland has excellent conditions to become a pioneer in the hydrogen economy. Our potential for clean energy production is sufficient to cover over 10 percent of the EU’s hydrogen needs, enabling investments of over 100 billion euros. TEXT: JUKKA NUORTIO
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he EU’s carbon neutrality goals, especially the phase-out of fossil fuels, are accelerating the transition towards the hydrogen economy. Various countries also have set development plans and goals to move the transition forward. ” Finland offers a springboard for hydrogen companies to global growth. Producers and consumers of hydrogen create demand, and to meet this demand, we are building a nationwide hydrogen network by 2030. However, the growth of the hydrogen economy requires determined development of regulations, supply chains, and practices, as well as cooperation,” says Olli Sipilä, CEO of Gasgrid Finland. Both off- and onshore wind power, as part of the energy sources for the hydrogen economy, are being constructed at a record pace in Finland. So much so that the grid needs constant reinforcement to meet the increasing electricity production needs.
Diverse production of clean electricity In addition to wind power, the potential of solar energy in Finland is excellent and its importance is increasing in the coming years. This is traditionally supported by strong hydro- and nuclear power, which will continue to play a significant role. The Finnish government has committed to this change by expediting permits and developing the transmission infrastructure for electricity and hydrogen. The transition to the hydrogen economy does not only affect the energy system. When hydrogen is produced in large quantities, it is also an excellent raw material for chemical and other heavy industry products. A good example of this is green methanol, which is produced when hydrogen is combined with biobased carbon dioxide from the Finnish wood processing industry.
Hydrogen economy as a part of energy independence
” Finland offers a springboard for hydrogen companies to global growth,” says Olli Sipilä, CEO of Gasgrid Finland.
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BUSINESS CLASS | AUTUMN 2023
The hydrogen economy is the next logical step in our rapidly electrifying society’s energy system. The hydrogen network complements the electricity grid and provides an alternative for energy transmission and solving energy storage challenges.
