Hydrogen Development Forum 2025 offered insights into the emerging hydrogen market in Helsinki on 23rd September. Hosted by Gasgrid, the event focused on the evolution of the hydrogen market – what does the future hold and how to get there?
The forum also covered key regulatory aspects, the development of the market model, and the connection process to support market participants engaging with the hydrogen infrastructure. In addition, the event also provided a first glimpse into Gasgrid’s Information Package on the hydrogen market model, regulations, and the connection process.
The authors of the Hydrogen Information Package, Henriikka Pilpola, Project Developer, Hydrogen Development, and Elina Mäki, Project Manager, RDI, Hydrogen Development, stated that they saw a “clear market demand” for information regarding the hydrogen market.
– Gasgrid plays a key role in the acceleration of the hydrogen economy as the hydrogen network is one of the key enablers, and we felt that there are questions that need to be answered, Elina Mäki noted.
The Hydrogen Information Package is an ongoing collaboration effort
Ranging from pipeline material selection to future marked model, the Hydrogen Information Package really delivers the goods, providing the industry players and stakeholders with the facts. The authors said that they had used the Danish TSO Energinet’s information packages as inspiration to create their own take of the market.
– This is the first version, and we’re looking forward to developing it via stakeholders’ feedback.
Henriikka Pilpola remarked that a collaborative commitment process is needed to realize the hydrogen network to fit the needs of the market participants.
– We are building the hydrogen network together, she said.
During the event, the guests also had ample opportunity to visit five info stands to learn more about the topics of the Hydrogen Information Package.
Hydrogen is a crucial part of the Green Transition
Sara Kärki, SVP, Hydrogen Development at Gasgrid, commented that as Green Transition advances, so does hydrogen.
– There’s steady growth of hydrogen globally.
For Finland, where electricity is frequently the most inexpensive in Europe, hydrogen is an intriguing opportunity. Gasgrid’s hydrogen pipeline project is coming along nicely, reports Kärki.
– The routing has been published, and the Environmental Impact Assessment is ongoing.
ENNOH: accelerating hydrogen market development across Europe
At the event, three speakers offered their perspectives about engaging market players in hydrogen development. Abel Enríquez, Director of the newly formed European Network of Network Operators for Hydrogen (ENNOH), said that the fledgling organization already has 36 members from 26 EU countries.
– There are those European industries that are difficult to electrify that can use hydrogen, instead, he said, adding that climate targets are in the DNA of the new entity.
Energinet: Hydrogen project nearing construction kick-off
Christian Rutherford, Chief Economist, Hydrogen Development, Energinet, provided an update about Danish Hydrogen Backbone 1 project, currently underway. Danish wind power guarantees that clean hydrogen can be produced in great quantities.
– We are ready to start construction once we meet our booking requirements next year, he said. This means, in essence, getting enough market participants to commit to the project.
According to Rutherford, the main focus of the pipeline will be hydrogen exports to Germany.
– There’s not that much heavy industry in Denmark, so exporting makes sense.
Finnish legislation makes room for hydrogen
Arto Rajala, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment of Finland, delivered an overview of the national legislative process. The hydrogen legislative proposal is expected to be finalised in the end of November 2025 and be published for public hearing in January 2026 so that the legislation can enter into force during the second half of 2026.
– We are seeking a regulatory environment that is both predictable and flexible, noted Rajala, while admitting that hydrogen is keeping the legislators rather busy: there are 17 acts or amendments to existing acts relating to hydrogen currently in the works.
Hydrogen needs national success stories to pave the way for the future
The seminar concluded with a panel featuring Abel Enríquez, Christian Rutherford, and Heli Virkki, Gasgrid’s Head of Hydrogen Valley Development. Hosted by Sara Kärki, the panelists talked about the potential of hydrogen – what does it take to make a break-through?
Abel Enríquez pointed out that Finland has “a huge opportunity” to push the creation of the hydrogen market and be a real forerunner.
– Working in Brussels, I do know we need to see success stories in hydrogen.
Christian Rutherford commented that – with regards to hydrogen – Finland is like a “large-scale version” of Denmark and the two countries have similar concerns.
– We can learn a lot by talking to each other.
Heli Virkki assessed that judging by the “buzz” created at the Information Package stands, the topic is truly a hot one, and the opportunity to “compare notes” with other professionals in the industry is always valuable.
After the event next steps are that Gasgrid is requesting feedback on the Hydrogen Information Package and on a specific topic of hydrogen quality through consultations, and the next package can be expected in 2026.
Feedback Survey on the Hydrogen Information Package for Market Participants. Responses are requested by December 15, 2025.
Market Survey on Hydrogen Quality Requirements. Responses are requested by November 30, 2025.
Read more:
Gasgrid’s first Hydrogen Information Package
Text: Sami J. Anteroinen
Pictures, video: Miika Kainu