Finnish Hydrogen Cluster’s roadmap released: Europe’s most competitive hydrogen economy is built through joint efforts

The measures presented in the hydrogen economy roadmap focus on areas such as initiatives to boost the hydrogen market, the increased availability of clean energy and biogenic carbon dioxide, project financing, and safety. Industry, the government, European Union institutions all need to do their part to enable investments in the hydrogen ecosystem.

Achieving this goal requires, above all, collaboration and swift action from the players in the hydrogen ecosystem, and various tracks and measures must move forward simultaneously.

Hydrogen Cluster Finland recognises that success requires intensive collaboration not only within Finland but especially with our partners in the Baltic Sea region and the European Union. Therefore, the Hydrogen Cluster Finland calls for dialogue and collaboration with partner organisations to ensure success in the broader European hydrogen economy.

A strong hydrogen economy is the cornerstone of Finland’s sustainable growth and security of supply

The current Government programme aims for Finland to produce and utilize 10% share of the EU’s clean hydrogen production and use by 2030. Simultaneously, the world is in turmoil, and there are forces that, for economic and geopolitical reasons, would prefer a return to fossil fuels. It is important to remember that Finland has nothing to gain from a fossil-based economy.

“The hydrogen economy provides a new foundation for growth for our national economy. It allows us to strengthen our energy and fuel self-sufficiency while simultaneously reducing emissions. In this context, it is essential to uphold the EU’s climate targets and policy measures to ensure that investing in clean technologies is commercially viable and that the regulatory environment for our companies is predictable,” states Sari Multala, Minister of Climate and the Environment.

The production of hydrogen and its derivatives, along with their associated value chains, is critical from the perspective of security of supply, ensuring that the needs of industry and the energy system can be met even in crisis situations. Every ton of hydrogen and e-fuel produced in Finland reduces our dependence on imported energy. Moreover, the hydrogen economy generates significant economic benefits and combats climate change.

“Finland holds all the keys to success, but only if we act as one team, moving in the same direction, at the same time. We need parallel progress in investments, legislation, research, and infrastructure development, as well as an increase in energy self-sufficiency. This roadmap is our common playbook to ensure that Finland is not a bystander as the industrial map of Europe is redrawn,” says Herkko Plit, Chair of the Board of the Finnish Hydrogen Cluster.

Sustainable aviation fuel (eSAF) production to kick-start the market

Market creation is one of the most critical objectives for the Finnish hydrogen economy over the next five years.

The first concrete initiative aimed at market creation is the “Lead Market Task Force” for sustainable aviation fuel (eSAF). The task force’s goal is for Finland to produce 60,000 tons of eSAF annually by 2030, corresponding to approximately 10% of the entire EU mandate. By 2035, the target will increase to 250,000 tons.

From market creation to a strong hydrogen economy

According to the hydrogen economy roadmap, the period between 2025 and 2030 will be dedicated to laying the foundation for expertise and market emergence. By 2030, Finland will achieve the Government’s target of producing 10% of the EU’s clean hydrogen. By 2035, the hydrogen economy is projected to have created 100,000 new jobs in Finland and contributed over €30 billion to the national economy.

Source: Hydrogen Cluster Finland