In January, we conducted a member survey to find out your views on the role of the Hydrogen Valley Finland and the development of the hydrogen economy and its potential in Eastern Finland. The survey showed that the promotion of the hydrogen economy is seen as important for the economic growth and sustainable development of the region. The members highlighted networking and attracting significant investments to Eastern Finland as the main objectives. The development of an adequate electricity and gas network in Eastern Finland was also seen as important. It is important to hear what you want from us so that we can best succeed in our work.
Advocacy certainly doesn't seem to be getting old as a topic in our workpackage. The recently published Eastern Finland Programme highlighted a wide range of regional development needs, especially in the field of clean energy. The objectives set out in the programme are vital to the vitality of the region, but the hustle and bustle here and there focuses on nothing, and the results are meagre. Unfortunately, the programme leaves the real opportunity for growth, namely the development of the hydrogen economy, to a hopeful wait. The programme does identify the challenges and strengths of the region, but there is no concrete investment in new energy solutions. If the vitality of eastern Finland is truly seen as a security issue, the government must finally invest in the development of the hydrogen economy in the region on a sufficient scale. The measures proposed in this programme are a shambles that will change nothing in eastern Finland. Hydrogen Valley Finland therefore has a lot of work to do if we are to move from words to deeds.
At the same time, Finland and the EU have been eagerly awaiting US President Trump's new energy policy guidelines. The speeches have been direct and harsh, harking back to the days of fossil fuels. Although the effects of Trump's policy on Finland's energy policy are indirect, they could be significant. So we must not delay, but reassess our energy policies in a changing international context. Trump's protectionist policy encourages us to increase our energy independence.
Finland is aiming to become Europe's leading hydrogen economy already in the next decade. This means huge investments in clean energy production and further investments in hydrogen production and downstream processing. Finland now has a world-class opportunity to take the lead in clean technology development and investment that it is striving for.
Fortunately, Finland is moving forward step by step with green transition investments, but so far the biggest news stories are coming from the western part of the country. Still, we are all aware that Finland as a whole needs to build a hydrogen economy that is profitable and competitive. So Hydrogen Valley Finland has a mandate to make a difference.
For Eastern Finland,
Jami Holtari, Managing Director
Hydrogen Valley Finland
