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01.07.2026
SuomiAreena in Pori got off to an unusual start since the traditional panel discussion was combined with the Wheel of Fortune format familiar from television in a discussion organised by the gas transmission company Gasgrid. How does the wheel turn when the theme is the importance of gases for wellbeing in Finland?
In his opening remarks, Peter Nyman, host of Gasgrid Finland’s What Gas? discussion, said that gases, from natural gas and biogas to hydrogen and its derivatives, are a hot topic. But what do they really mean to all of us?
The questions picked by the wheel of fortune were answered by Johanna Sipola, Deputy CEO of Finland Chamber of Commerce, Jukka Leskelä, Managing Director of Finnish Energy, Maggie Keskinen, National Coalition Party Secretary, and the host of the event, Olli Sipilä, CEO of Gasgrid Finland.
Spinning the wheel took those present immediately to the big questions.
Jukka Leskelä was asked whether the energy transition would change the business models of energy companies. He replied that phasing out fossil fuels and switching to renewable forms of energy will change many things.
“Energy is at times scarce and at other times abundant. Energy companies are involved in solving this fluctuation challenge,” said Leskelä from Finnish Energy.
Then what about the role of energy exports as a growth enabler?
Johanna Sipola from Finland Chamber of Commerce stated that the value added from hydrogen and new business opportunities it creates, together with value chains, represent a great opportunity for us, including on the export side.
“Hydrogen is a key solution on the path to a low-emission world,” Sipola pointed out.
Olli Sipilä from Gasgrid reminded those present that even with regard to hydrogen, the hype curve has shown occasional spikes that are not particularly based on reality. However, according to Sipilä, the hydrogen era will get off to a strong start by 2035.
“A leader must be well prepared, and an infrastructure contractor must also be aware of the schedules of the various parties involved,” Sipilä noted.
Johanna Sipola added that the geopolitical situation is giving hydrogen a boost. The hydrogen economy can move forward even faster than previously thought.
Citizens are certainly interested in the question of whether there would be enough energy in Finland without gases. According to Leskelä, when it was quite cold last February, natural gas was needed to ensure enough electricity and heat for everyone.
“We can’t manage entirely without gases. In fact, the energy system in Central Europe is being built on renewables and gases. Gases will certainly continue to play the same role in Finland for a long time to come,” Leskelä said.
Leskelä said that biogas and synthetic methane will replace natural gas while total gas volumes will decrease somewhat.
Next up, the panel had a chance to comment on the question of the potential of gases: What kind of sum is involved?
Finland could produce far more gases, Sipilä thought. Keskinen added that Finland is also a very attractive target for investment in clean energy.
“We need to harness this potential.”
Citizens, and especially landowners, may wonder whether a gas pipeline makes a safe neighbour.
Olli Sipilä stated that gas-related safety matters are at an extremely high level in Finland.
“Safety is the alpha and omega. We test the worst-case scenarios over and over again to ensure nothing adverse happens.”
What then is the role of gases in a sustainable energy system?
Maggie Keskinen replied that gas already has a strong role but will have an even stronger future role. She said that both hydrogen and its synthetic derivatives are part of a multi-gas world that will help Finland to become a clean energy superpower by 2030.
Leskelä pointed out that, for example, biogas production in Finland has yet been quite modest, but is now growing significantly. Likewise, hydrogen, its derivatives and carbon capture will further broaden the gas landscape.
“Gases play a significant, diversifying role in the energy system. In the future, many types of gas may pass through the pipeline,” Leskelä said.
The panellists also discussed how green hydrogen can reduce industrial emissions. Electrification is not always easy in heavy industry and hydrogen brings flexibility to the picture.
“Volatility will increase, but gases will complement and support the big picture,” said Johanna Sipola from Finland Chamber of Commerce.
Then what about the importance of a well-functioning gas infrastructure?
Maggie Keskinen from the National Coalition Party underlined that Finland needs to have a robust gas network.
“We’ve worked well with Gasgrid on this matter and need to continue to do so.”
“Home engineers” may well have wondered about the suitability of the existing natural gas pipeline for transporting hydrogen: do we really need to build so many new hydrogen pipelines if the old pipelines will do the job?
Olli Sipilä from Gasgrid pointed out that natural gas and biogas already largely take up existing pipeline capacity: there is simply not enough room left for hydrogen.
“A pipeline can be converted from one gas to another, but in practice, a separate pipeline in Finland is needed for hydrogen.”
Johanna Sipola described the hydrogen pipeline as the backbone of the energy system along which new businesses are built.
In conclusion, Olli Sipilä outlined the economic impact of the huge investment:
“Every euro invested in the project will bring 5–10 euros of wellbeing to Finland in the form of jobs, for example.”
Aiheet
03.07.2026
29.06.2026
