Gas transmission company Gasgrid is studying an expansion of the Finnish gas transmission network in Western Finland. There is a growing need in the region for natural gas produced from renewable energy sources, and studies indicate significant entry potential. According to Gasgrid’s current estimates, the renewable gas entry capacity in the planned expansion area could increase to approximately 3–4 terawatt hours (TWh), which corresponds to 25% of Finland’s present gas consumption.
Gasgrid is developing its gas transmission network based on customer needs and monitors regional needs. The company has identified potential gas transport needs in the Western Finland region, based on which an expansion of the gas transmission network to Western Finland is now being studied. The planned new pipeline would run either via Tampere in the Pori–Rauma direction or from Inkoo in the Pori–Rauma direction. The route will become clearer once the needs of gas users have been mapped. Depending on the route chosen, the expansion being studied would be approximately 250-350 kilometres long.
“Plans are underway to build synthetic methane, or e-methane, plants in Pori and Rauma, which, if implemented, would benefit from a flexible gas transmission infrastructure. In addition, connecting the LNG terminal in Tahkoluoto, Pori, which stores liquefied natural gas, to the gas transmission network would improve security of supply and serve the market more broadly,” says Janne Grönlund, SVP, Gas Business, at Gasgrid Finland.
”By developing and expanding the transmission infrastructure, we aim to strengthen the vitality of the gas market and maintain our customers’ ability to utilise gas competitively. As well as responding to identified customer needs, expansion of the gas system would support reliable energy supply and Finland’s security of supply,” Grönlund adds.
Gasgrid in discussions with potential bio- and e-methane producers
During the past year, Gasgrid has had numerous discussions with potential bio- and e-methane producers, who are planning to connect to the Finnish gas transmission network.
“A renewable gas supply potential of around 7 terawatt hours, which corresponds to approximately half of present total gas consumption, has currently been identified in the existing gas transmission network and the extension area being studied in Western Finland. Of this amount, some 3–4 terawatt hours have been identified as potential in the Western Finland region,” Grönlund says.
Energy sector transformation and Finland’s and the EU’s carbon neutrality targets are accelerating the introduction of renewable and low-carbon gases in industry. Renewable gases, such as biogas, e-methane, green hydrogen and captured carbon dioxide are enablers of the transition to a carbon-neutral society. Gasgrid will grant a discount on transmission fees for renewable gases from the beginning of 2026.
Discussion is needed to determine the route
According to Grönlund, discussions with local industry and companies about various gas entry and usage needs will continue in order to be able to determine the route of the planned transmission network.
The preliminary route alternatives follow the planned hydrogen infrastructure route in Western Finland. Going forward, however, hydrogen and methane will have their own separate transmission pipelines as the same pipeline cannot be used to transport both gases at the same time.
If implemented, the Western Finland transmission network expansion project would complete within 5–10 years, in the early 2030s.
Further information:
For media enquiries, please contact Gasgrid Communications, viestinta(at)gasgrid.fi
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Finland’s national methane transmission network – Gasgrid (in Finnish)