Finland Plans For A National Hydrogen Network

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The race to carbon neutrality continues apace, at least in some parts of Europe. While the accelerating solar and wind energy expansion is partly due tothe Russian-Ukraine conflict that has pushed Europe to reduce and possibly end its dependence on the fossil fuel supplies from Russia.

In a key development, the Finland Government has held that it will be setting up a national hydrogen network as the country vows to attain carbon neutrality by 2035. Finland gets 29% of all its energy needs from advanced biofuels. It also has extensive nuclear and hydro networks, making it a leader in Europe for renewable energy in any case,

Annika Saarikko, Minister for Finance, Finland, informed that the state owned Gasgrid Finland will have the responsibility to construct required infrastructure for the transfer of hydrogen in the country. The public company is already maintaining the natural gas infrastructure in Finland. She also said that hydrogen will have a key role in the introduction of emissions-free solutions.

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

The minister held that the government has no intentions to be a part of the hydrogen production system. It will be produced by the private sector only. Gasgrid Finland will create a subsidiary for the hydrogen sector.

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Gasgrid Finland CEO Olli Sipila stated that the hydrogen sector will not lead to any electricity shortage in the country. The government announced that it wants to begin with three hydrogen networks based out in different regions. The three will be developed in the northwest area bordering Sweden, southwest and southeast.

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The government is yet to decide on the timeline of the projects but the Gasgrid Finland CEO held that completing the hydrogen network may take 7-10 years. The project will start with a 15km pilot grid in the southeast region between two industrial plants.