Making the energy transition happen: Research data sheds light on the outlook for clean energy

Promoters of green electrification want to consolidate networks and boost the flow of information, especially between research institutions, companies and investors.

According to Eeva Lähdesmäki, Project Manager at LUT University, the cooperation among an extensive group of experts has made it possible to collect comprehensive research materials and analysis on questions related to the PtX economy.

PtX refers to technologies that can be used to produce hydrogen or synthetic fuels, for example, with electricity generated with renewable energy sources.

“In September, we will publish a report on the needs of national strategic hydrogen research.”

In Finland, important research themes include synthetic added-value hydrogen products and the direct use of hydrogen. The report also covers the views of industry on what kind of research data it needs.

“We wanted to look into the points of view of both scientists and industry and the potential differences between them. Based on this, we will work together with Business Finland to analyse further needs.”

In addition, a scientific article on the survey of the Finnish hydrogen economy research and the survey results will be published later in the autumn.

Eastern Finland, excelling in the research on the energy transition, wants investments in the PtX economy

According to a recent report by LUT University, Finland needs cross-sectoral cooperation in order to benefit from the energy transition. The realisation of investments requires open dialogue and mutual understanding between the various parties involved.

The report “Puhtaan energian ja Power-to-X-investoinnit Kaakkois-Suomeen” (Clean energy and Power-to-X investments in southeastern Finland) was published in June. It focuses on the role of South Karelia and southeastern Finland in the energy transition.

The report presents eight concrete measures, such as modelling the PtX value chain and establishing a carbon dioxide utilisation research and technology centre as a national spearhead project.

“The Fast Expert Teams operating model developed at LUT Business School was used in writing the report. More than 60 energy experts participated in this work,” says Lähdesmäki.

She is happy about the involvement of a wide range of experts, from high-growth companies to large enterprises and from Finnish to EU-level administration.

“Everyone has their own approach to contributing to this area. Without this kind of cooperation, knowledge might be incomplete, lacking the perspectives or facts provided by others,” says Lähdesmäki.

Showcasing Finland’s hydrogen expertise in Brussels

Special highlights during the Green Electrification project led by Lähdesmäki have been the World Hydrogen Summit 2024 in May and the European Hydrogen Week 2023 in November.

“We participated in the Hydrogen Week with Hydrogen Research Forum Finland and realised there that just like other countries, Finland as a country brand must differentiate from others in order to gain visibility. The cooperation between Hydrogen Research Forum Finland and the company-led Hydrogen Cluster Finland has intensified considerably,” Lähdesmäki points out.

Under the leadership of Business Finland, Finland will take part in the European Hydrogen Week 2024 event on 18–22 November in Brussels.

In addition to LUT University, the parties carrying out the Green Electrification project include the University of Oulu, which is preparing a white paper on the potential of the steel company SSAB’s “green steel” to become one of the national spearhead projects.

Upcoming events and publications of the Green Electrification project:

• The Green Electrification project and a report about Eastern Finland’s PtX economy will be presented at the Future Energy Solutions seminar in Lappeenranta in September.
• Hydrogen Research Forum Finland: Annual Seminar 2024
  Scientific seminar at Aalto University 2–3 October 2024.
• Articles and other publications are being prepared on industry-related topics: the introduction of methanol, the potential offered by domestic demand, the so-called green steel and the pulp mill. Regional topics include spearhead projects in the PtX economy and there will also be a dedicated paper written from the perspective of investors.

Report: Puhtaan energian ja Power-to-X-investoinnit Kaakkois-Suomeen (Clean energy and Power-to-X investments in southeastern Finland)

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Green Electrification is one of the lead themes of InnoCities. Thematic cooperation brings together the resources of different cities and promotes the sharing of good practices as well as international cooperation and investments. The aim is to expedite the reform of business and the implementation of sustainable solutions in cities. InnoCities support innovation and engage in the practical application of research and experiment.