Potential of electricity and gas networks discussed at SuomiAreena: Is Finland’s energy infrastructure the world’s best? 3.7.2026 Without infrastructure, there would be no market: hydrogen infrastructure, storage facilities, the power grid and flexibility will determine whether or not the projected growth materialises. A discussion among energy sector experts at the Hydrogen Arena, at SuomiAreena in Pori provided an insight into the development prospects and needs of the energy sector. The “Bottleneck or superpower: Finland’s energy infrastructures in the future” panel held at the Hydrogen Arena at SuomiAreena 2026 included Olli Sipilä, CEO of Gasgrid Finland, Asta Sihvonen-Punkka, President & CEO of Fingrid, Olli Sirkka, CEO of Helen Group, and Leena Sivill, Senior Ministerial Adviser at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment. Olli Sipilä from Gasgrid said that moves are currently being made in Finland to lay the groundwork for the country’s energy system to 2035. Sipilä pointed out that clean electricity and a sufficient electricity supply are key to the energy transition. “Finland ranks among the top countries in Europe in terms of access to clean electricity,” he said. Asta Sihvonen-Punkka from Fingrid thinks that Finland has seen rapid development which has led to the construction of a lot of wind power and some solar power. “As a transmission system operator, Fingrid pays particular attention to the development needs of the grid,” Sihvonen-Punkka said, pointing out that the company has a €5 billion investment plan for the next ten years. “We forecast that electricity consumption may even double by 2035. A major and fundamental change is coming to the energy infrastructure.” Smart market flexibility is needed to support renewables Olli Sirkka from Helen Group stated that Finland must create a system that adapts to weather conditions and makes full use of market-based flexibility. “We need to make this flexibility profitable.” Sirkka thanked the involvement of electricity consumers, such as the forest industry, in the electricity flexibility and called on other actors to join in. Leena Sivill from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment considered that Finland has great potential in the clean transition, also in a business sense. “We now need to attract electricity-intensive industry with high added value to Finland, because Finland is able to offer a uniquely good operating environment for actors in the sector.” Fossil fuels will continue to be needed, especially during times of high electricity demand. They play an important role in ensuring security of supply. Olli Sirkka pointed out that natural gas, for example, is a significant safety net during severe cold spells, when energy demand is high. Sihvonen-Punkka agreed: gases are a “sensible bridge” and a good transitional solution. ”We must have energy-secure capacity available.” Cleaner gas in the pipeline, one step at a time Olli Sipilä pointed out that Finland has the potential to gradually produce and add clean methane to the infrastructure. “We can increase the amount of clean methane in the system flexibly while increasing energy self-sufficiency.” There are plans for a 1,300-kilometre hydrogen pipeline in Finland, which is intended to deliver added value to businesses and society. When asked about the emerging hydrogen economy, Sipilä replies that Finland is only now beginning to understand the combined value of flexibility, logistics and storage that the hydrogen network will provide. “A couple or three years ago, it was considered that it would pay to include a hydrogen infrastructure in the national energy system, and this goal remains unchanged,” Sipilä said. Dialogue with stakeholders allays concerns Last year, we drew up a route plan for the planned hydrogen pipeline and started an environmental impact assessment (EIA). In addition, Gasgrid Finland has held dozens of voluntary landowner events across Finland in order to discuss the planned hydrogen infrastructure and its impacts as openly as possible with various stakeholders. There are 14,000 landowners on the route alone. Sipilä said that he has been positively surprised by the dialogue taking place. Farmers have naturally had concerns, for which Gasgrid has been able to provide information to allay. “Once the pipeline has been dug into a field, for example, the terrain will be restored. After this, cultivation can continue and machinery can move normally in the area,” Sipilä explains. “Our survey shows that 80% of Finns believe that the construction of a hydrogen economy in Finland is a good thing and that the direction is the right one.” The gas network is also a very resilient system: according to Sipilä, the last supply interruption occurred more than ten years ago. A highly decentralised energy system is less vulnerable. Leena Sivill, senior ministerial adviser, thought that while licensing is challenging, it needs to be done wisely in infrastructure construction. In addition, the market entry of hydrogen production and consumption has so far been uneven. “This calls for long-term work. Demand for hydrogen will come slowly in the hydrogen economy, as the regulations set by the EU, for example, will not start to impact until the 2030s. Is Finland on the verge of a success story? Sihvonen-Punkka from Fingrid is concerned that Finland is hesitant to take the necessary steps towards a hydrogen economy, even though now is the time to learn from the lessons of the demonstration projects and scale them up. “This is Finland’s opportunity, a competitive edge that must be used.” Sivill also believes that “very great projects” can be launched in Finland and that the competitive advantage can be used. “We’re not going to be left behind in this industry.” Sihvonen-Punkka considered Finland’s electricity grid to be in exceptionally good shape, probably the best in Europe. You can also get an electricity connection faster here than elsewhere. Sipilä and Sihvonen-Punkka say that in a country like Finland, it also makes sense for the electricity and gas infrastructure to work together. “Finland is 20 years ahead of others in terms of power networks if you consider infrastructure condition and our electricity expertise,” Sipilä from Gasgrid considers. Story: Sami AnteroinenPhotos: Gasgrid Read more:Current state of gases reviewed and bold look to the future at SuomiAreena Aiheet clean transition energy system gas infrastructure hydrogen economy Share page https://gasgrid.fi/en/potential-of-electricity-and-gas-networks-discussed-at-suomiareena-is-finlands-energy-infrastructure-the-worlds-best/ Copy link Link copied Sähköposti Facebook Whatsapp X messaging service Linkedin Read also All articles 01.07.2026 Article Good encounters at Farmari Article 01.07.2026 Article Experts reviewed the current role of gases and took a bold look to the future at SuomiAreena Article 01.07.2026 Article Hydrogen pipeline on the way – what do landowners need to know? Article 29.06.2026 Article Gas pipeline adapts to farming needs Article
Good encounters at Farmari 1.7.2026 The Farmari agricultural exhibition attracted more than 52,000 visitors to Kalajoki during the last weekend of June. Gasgrid Finland was also there, as we want to be present where landowners and forest owners are. Landowners and forest owners are very important both to Gasgrid and to security of supply across Finland. At the Farmari agricultural exhibition, we were able to meet them in the region where Gasgrid’s hydrogen pipeline project is being built and their land is located.Visitors included former minister of economic affairs Mika Lintilä from Central Ostrobothnia. He praised the excellent cooperation with Gasgrid, and spent a long time at our stand. In the discussions, Lintilä recalled the emergency situation in 2022, when Russia’s invasion of Ukraine resulted in a discontinuation of natural gas transmission from Russia to Finland, which in turn triggered an energy crisis. At the time, there was exceptionally intense cooperation between Gasgrid and central government. It was then that a floating LNG terminal managed by Gasgrid Finland was built in Finland to ensure the security of gas supply. There were many good encounters and discussions at Farmari. People were well aware of the hydrogen pipeline project, and people at Gasgrid’s stand were able to answer questions about the project schedule and discuss other matters of concern to them. The map system at the stand was very popular, as it showed the planned route of the pipeline. Raino Peltoniemi knows about energy and land use matters from the perspective of both a landowner and municipal politician. He has been involved in a number of energy industry projects. He also took part in a landowner event organised by Gasgrid in Raahe, where the planned hydrogen pipeline project was discussed. What would the Farmari agricultural exhibition be like without farm animals? A national cattle show in several different classes was held in Kalajoki. Hobby horse enthusiasts Jenny, Emmi and Milja agreed: The best things at Farmari were the hobby horse obstacle course and seeing the alpacas. The girls also tested the experience chair at Gasgrid’s stand. The chair’s VR glasses made it possible to go on adventures from the Stone Age all the way into the distant future. Visitors to Farmari also had a chance to see what it’s like to sit behind the wheel of a real tractor. The event featured a large number of tractors, excavators and trucks to wonder at and admire. Oskari and Eemi also came to test drive some big machinery.”The best things here are the sunny weather, big mobile machinery and all the animals,” the two said. Animals are an important part of the Farmari atmosphere, and the exhibition featured not just many familiar farm animals but some less common ones as well, including alpacas. Photos: Harri Tarvainen Story: Gasgrid Aiheet clean transition energy system gas infrastructure Share page https://gasgrid.fi/en/good-encounters-at-farmari/ Copy link Link copied Sähköposti Facebook Whatsapp X messaging service Linkedin Read also All articles 03.07.2026 Article Potential of electricity and gas networks discussed at SuomiAreena: Is Finland’s energy infrastructure the world’s best? Article 01.07.2026 Article Experts reviewed the current role of gases and took a bold look to the future at SuomiAreena Article 01.07.2026 Article Hydrogen pipeline on the way – what do landowners need to know? Article 29.06.2026 Article Gas pipeline adapts to farming needs Article
Experts reviewed the current role of gases and took a bold look to the future at SuomiAreena 1.7.2026 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. Johanna Sipola, deputy CEO of Finland Chamber of Commerce, said that the geopolitical situation is giving hydrogen a boost. The hydrogen economy can move forward even faster than previously thought. Jukka Leskelä, Managing Director of Finnish Energy, said that biogas and synthetic methane will replace natural gas while total gas volumes will decrease somewhat. A wise operator is well prepared 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.” Maggie Keskinen, National Coalition Party secretary, 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. How safe is a gas pipeline? 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. Olli Sipilä, CEO of Gasgrid Finland, said that every euro invested in the project will bring 5–10 euros of wellbeing to Finland in the form of jobs, for example. Industry needs gas now and in the future 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 uusiutuva kaasu Share page https://gasgrid.fi/en/experts-reviewed-the-current-role-of-gases-and-took-a-bold-look-to-the-future-at-suomiareena/ Copy link Link copied Sähköposti Facebook Whatsapp X messaging service Linkedin Read also All articles 03.07.2026 Article Potential of electricity and gas networks discussed at SuomiAreena: Is Finland’s energy infrastructure the world’s best? Article 01.07.2026 Article Good encounters at Farmari Article 01.07.2026 Article Hydrogen pipeline on the way – what do landowners need to know? Article 29.06.2026 Article Gas pipeline adapts to farming needs Article
Hydrogen pipeline on the way – what do landowners need to know? 1.7.2026 Planning of the hydrogen infrastructure is progressing. Last year, saw the start of an environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the planned hydrogen pipeline route, and a detailed route plan was updated based on feedback received. The updated route plan will be published in August 2026. Gasgrid’s people have held dozens of public events in the municipalities near the planned hydrogen pipeline route in order to discuss the hydrogen project as diversely and openly as possible with various stakeholders. “There are around 14,000 landowners in the area impacted by the route. About 4,000 of these have attended our events,” says Tommi Raappana, Land usage planning manager at Gasgrid. What kind of issues concern landowners – typically farmers? Raappana says their greatest concern is about their livelihood and whether farming will be adversely affected. ” The good news is that once the pipeline has been laid in the fields, the terrain will be restored, and agriculture can continue as earlier. Likewise, heavy field machinery can be used in the area as before,” Raappana says. Landowners compensated for financial loss The construction phase will harm agriculture and for a few years harvest expectations may be lower in the pipeline area. This financial loss has been taken into account in the planning and will be compensated. “Compensation will be paid through the expropriation procedure. As a matter of fact, compensation was recently increased by 25% following an amendment to the Act on the Redemption of Immovable Property and Special Rights last autumn. So, what do landowners think of the level of compensation? Gasgrid looked into the matter by asking residents living along the Balticconnector gas pipeline for their opinions on Gasgrid’s operations and compensation. The survey revealed that up to 97% of landowners are satisfied or very satisfied with the planned compensation. “Only 3% of the landowners taking part in our survey thought that the level of compensation was insufficient,” Raappana says. “Since the survey, a new amendment to the Act on the Redemption of Immovable Property and Special Rights has entered into force and further increased the level of compensation.” Constructive dialogue at consultations So, it is therefore no wonder that Raappana describes the landowner events organised as having a positive atmosphere. People understand the importance of the hydrogen pipeline infrastructure and the details of the pipeline project are mostly discussed very constructively. Most of the comments I have heard have been positive. The process has been built to create optimum interaction. Gasgrid has so far received about 3,000 comments through the map feedback system, based on which the pipeline route plan will be further reviewed. In a way, the “thick line” drawn on the map becomes thinner until it is known exactly where and when the excavator will get to work. The line is still not thin enough: “Our next step is to start basic planning, which will again take us a bit closer to the finish line. Site investigations are also still to come,” Raappana says For the first time, Gasgrid introduced an online map survey for the hydrogen project, and this has proven to be a useful tool. “The online map enables all parties to see where the route is supposed to go.” New route alignment takes feedback into account The feedback has now been reviewed. Based on this, a more detailed route will be drawn up, which will be published in August. Raappana says that the pipeline will now also extend to some completely new areas. “We will also hold consultations on these new route alignments as usual. We want to ensure equal treatment for all landowners – everyone’s voice will be heard,” Raappana pledges. There are also 7,500 properties on the planned 1,500-kilometre route. There are no plans to dig a pipeline right next to them: “The pipeline must be at least 15 metres from a residential building and 30 metres from a public building,” Raappana says. Gasgrid aims to minimise the harm on plots and is also prepared to use third parties to reach the best outcome. “If drains need to be repaired, for example, we have access to repair planning professionals who are very familiar with local conditions and needs,” Raappana says. Besides this, Gasgrid has its own, experienced supervisors on site to oversee final implementation. Pipeline needs very little maintenance once complete Tommi Raappana believes that there will be no attempt to complete the huge project in one go. “The hydrogen infrastructure will probably be built in parts.” And once the hydrogen pipeline has been laid in the ground, there will be little need to worry about its maintenance. Raappana points out that the pipeline has a technical service life of 50 years. “We have technology that allows inspections and some maintenance to be carried out from inside the pipeline.” Gasgrid was at the Farmari agricultural exhibition held on the last weekend of June in Kalajoki, where, among the nearly 60,000 visitors, there were many good discussions with landowners about the planned hydrogen pipeline. The photo shows Tommi Raappana, Land use planning manager at Gasgrid. Story: Sami Anteroinen Photos: Harri Tarvainen Aiheet energy system gas infrastructure hydrogen economy Share page https://gasgrid.fi/en/hydrogen-pipeline-on-the-way-what-do-landowners-need-to-know/ Copy link Link copied Sähköposti Facebook Whatsapp X messaging service Linkedin Read also All articles 03.07.2026 Article Potential of electricity and gas networks discussed at SuomiAreena: Is Finland’s energy infrastructure the world’s best? Article 01.07.2026 Article Good encounters at Farmari Article 01.07.2026 Article Experts reviewed the current role of gases and took a bold look to the future at SuomiAreena Article 29.06.2026 Article Gas pipeline adapts to farming needs Article
Gas pipeline adapts to farming needs 29.6.2026 The planned hydrogen gas pipeline will run through the fields and forests of thousands of landowners, and the expansion of the natural gas network is also being explored. Aarno Lindfors, a farmer from Ohkola in southern Finland, knows what it means to have a gas pipeline running through one’s land. Landowner Aarno Lindfors has worked with the gas transmission network operator Gasgrid before. A natural gas pipeline has run through his land since 2011. After the pipeline was installed, various maintenance measures have been carried out. For example, depressions in the road have had to be repaired. “All I’ve had to do is let them know what the problem is. They’ve come up with a solution every time,” Lindfors says. The pipeline runs through Lindfors’s land for a short distance of just 150 metres as part of the Mäntsälä-Siuntio pipeline’s infrastructure. In his opinion, it speaks volumes about Gasgrid’s work culture that small projects are given the same attention as large ones, and the company actually listens to landowners. “Five years ago, a subsurface drain was cut off because of work on the gas pipeline and I told Gasgrid about it. We agreed that I would do the digging myself and send the company an invoice. It was a good solution,” Lindfors recalls. Good personal relations are key Land Use Engineer Mikko Kaarlampi is Lindfors’s contact person at Gasgrid and someone the farmer can call whenever he needs to. “When we first met, Mikko said that if I ever have any problems, I should contact him and get things sorted out. He has kept his word,” Lindfors says. Kaarlampi points out that Gasgrid benefits from having landowners like Lindfors along the pipeline. If landowners don’t provide feedback, Gasgrid’s employees have to work in the dark, without any idea what is happening out in the field. “We have hundreds of landowners just along the 90-kilometre-long Mäntsälä-Siuntio route. It’s important to keep the lines of communication open,” Kaarlampi says. According to him, Gasgrid’s approach is clear: they listen to landowners and react to problems without delay. “If we caused the problem, we fix it. If needed, we use outside experts to get to the root of the problem and solve it,” says Kaarlampi. One of the common annoyances of landowners is the site traffic during construction, something that Lindfors also mentions. “There has been some traffic, but it’s getting better already,” he says. Small projects are given the same attention as large ones, and Gasgrid actually listens to landowners. Construction work with respect for nature When building the gas network, nature values are taken into account as comprehensively as possible. Five environmental impact assessments (EIA) are currently underway for the hydrogen infrastructure, alongside ecological surveys. Some of the data on nature comes from registers and other sources, some from observations in nature. Kaarlampi points out that EIAs are regulated by law. “If required, we will commission a full ecological survey from an external party. An example of a delicate operation in terms of nature was when we had to pass under the Ohkolanjoki river. Lindfors owns land on each side of the river and kept a close eye on the construction work,” he says. “The area surrounding the river has always been an important place for me and it is the area’s pride and joy. The construction of the gas pipeline under the Ohkolanjoki river was carried out really well in terms of nature,” says Lindfors. “Irises grow there and hopefully they’ll continue to as well.” Field restored, farming continues Lindfors is happy that he was able to continue farming in peace once the pipeline was installed. He also likes that landowners can choose what to do with the site access roads. Will they be left or will the area be restored? “Although, when they installed the pipeline in my field, they didn’t need to build separate roads because it was winter and the ground was frozen solid,” Lindfors says. Kaarlampi knows that local farmers like site access roads. “Usually, people want to leave them because they consider them useful,” he explains. When a pipeline is built through a forest, the situation is different than with a field. The felled trees are typically sold to a forest company and Gasgrid takes care of the timber trade on behalf of the landowner. “The idea is to make things as easy as possible for the landowner,” Kaarlampi points out. Maintenance is usually done in winter And how much does the maintenance of the pipeline disrupt land use over the years? Kaarlampi explains that maintenance is essentially preventive and the condition of pipelines is inspected through pipe inspection gauges that travel inside the pipeline with the flow of gas. This method has a quirky name: pigging. “The inspection gauge, or pig, moves through the pipeline and detects dents, thinned walls and other factors that might require measures at some point. The idea is to maintain as precise a picture of the condition of the pipeline as possible,” Kaarlampi says. The number of gas pipeline maintenance jobs, based on the results of the pigs’ inspections and usually carried out in winter, typically come to one to ten per year. “Maintenance isn’t required every single year, and we always contact the landowner first,” Kaarlampi says. Aarno Lindfors’s family farm goes back generations. Deep roots in the area Aarno Lindfors is in charge of the family farm, which goes back generations. The 130-hectare farm, bequeathed long ago to the family by the King of Sweden, has large forests in addition to fields. “I’ve farmed these fields for 40 years,” Lindfors says. “Alongside farming and forestry work, I’ve picked up a couple of other jobs along the way, such as in tourism.” Mikko Kaarlampi has been a “pipe man” for 16 years and has come to know the industry well. “I’ve interacted with hundreds of landowners,” he says. Gasgrid is always there Contacting Gasgrid’s team is never very difficult. “We have 11,000 signposts along the gas pipeline route around Finland and they show the signpost’s number and a phone number you can call. Our hotline is open 24/7,” Kaarlampi says. Gasgrid has run a couple of information campaigns designed for landowners, and uses its social media channels and websites to share up-to-date information. “We have publicly disclosed contact persons for each project, so there is always someone to talk to,” he promises. According to Lindfors, Gasgrid has always responded to his inquiries professionally. “We’ve built a strong foundation for co-operation,” he says. Text Sami Anteroinen Photos Tommi Mattila Aiheet energy system gas transmission Share page https://gasgrid.fi/en/gas-pipeline-adapts-to-farming-needs/ Copy link Link copied Sähköposti Facebook Whatsapp X messaging service Linkedin Read also All articles 03.07.2026 Article Potential of electricity and gas networks discussed at SuomiAreena: Is Finland’s energy infrastructure the world’s best? Article 01.07.2026 Article Good encounters at Farmari Article 01.07.2026 Article Experts reviewed the current role of gases and took a bold look to the future at SuomiAreena Article 01.07.2026 Article Hydrogen pipeline on the way – what do landowners need to know? Article
Biogas fuels Paulig’s roasteries and tortilla factories 24.6.2026 Paulig sees biogas as a key means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and delivering the company’s ambitious sustainability programme. Over the past seven years, the use of biogas in the company’s processes has more than tripled. Well over half, or 60 per cent, of the energy used by Paulig comes from purchased biogas and natural gas. Gas is required, for example, for the coffee roasting process. According to Paulig’s Sustainability Director Salla Sulasuo, the company’s current equipment uses gas in many other situations, too. –Many consumers, of course, associate Paulig with coffee. Nowadays, however, the company has a broad food product portfolio and, with our extensive Tex-Mex range, we are also a major bakery. We produce 2.6 billion tortillas each year. Our production facilities use gas-fired ovens to bake and roast a wide range of products, Sulasuo explains. Paulig uses biogas at six European production facilities. The production facilities in Vuosaari, Finland, and in Sweden have transitioned entirely to biogas, and the use of biogas is steadily increasing at the production sites in Belgium and Spain. –Of these, the biggest biogas consumer is our Belgian production facility, which is also our largest, Sulasuo says, adding that in Belgium, in particular, there have also been challenges with the availability of locally sourced biogas. Switching to biogas cut emissions at Vuosaari In Finland, the Vuosaari roastery is a pioneer in the use of biogas. Paulig’s largest roastery, producing around one hundred million packs of coffee each year, switched to biogas in 2018. The production facility’s greenhouse gas emissions have fallen by 95 per cent. Although the switch to biogas was the single biggest step, other measures were also needed to achieve such a dramatic reduction. Salla Sulasuo heads Paulig’s sustainability work. She has 15 years of experience driving the sustainability transformation. –Over the years, we have made major investments in energy efficiency and gradually introduced a heat recovery system, as well as electricity generated from renewable energy sources, Sulasuo says. From 2018 to 2025, the use of natural gas at Paulig’s production facilities decreased by 18 per cent, while the use of biogas increased by 211 per cent. However, the consumption of natural gas remains higher than that of biogas. In 2025, the company used 97,500 megawatt hours of natural gas, while biogas consumption amounted to 60,300 megawatt hours. The procurement of biogas is based primarily on guarantees of origin for renewable gas. The use of biogas is part of a bigger picture. Paulig’s goal is to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045, which means that every aspect of the business must be carefully reviewed. –We always look at the overall package, meaning not only energy but also efficiency, the portfolio, and equipment-related innovations, points out Sulasuo, who has been Paulig’s Sustainability Director for a couple of years now. Biogas will remain pivotal for a long time to come The company aims for a 65 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from its own production by 2030. In its value chain, Paulig aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 43 per cent and halve the amount of food waste and other waste. All of this is underpinned by a sustainability roadmap created in 2020. –We also have climate targets that comply with the criteria of the Science Based Targets initiative. This helps systematically develop the roadmap for green transition, says Sulasuo. Paulig produces 2.6 billion tortillas each year. The production facilities use gas-fired ovens. The photo is from Roeselare, Belgium. One of the roadmap objectives is the electrification of operations wherever possible. Going electric in the roasteries and bakeries is not always an option at the moment, and gases will continue to play a major role for a long time to come. –Biogas will remain central in our production for at least the next few years, even though we are continually looking into different alternatives, Sulasuo says. The company has also considered the production of biogas in-house. Industry requires transparency from the energy system Paulig celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2026. Photo of the Vuosaari factory. Paulig values Gasgrid’s role as the builder and maintainer of the gas infrastructure. Sulasuo points out that companies using gas in their industrial processes need long-term visibility, when it comes to, for example, gas availability and the regulatory environment. Otherwise, companies may decide not to make costly investments. –Gasgrid can help its customers anticipate regulation and, through its own operations, provide the clarity and visibility that the market needs, Sulasuo says. Paulig in brief Paulig is a family-owned business based in Finland. The company has production facilities in five EU countries – Finland, Sweden, Estonia, Belgium, and Spain – as well as in the UK. The company has 2,700 employees in 13 countries, and in 2025, the company’s net sales amounted to EUR 1.39 billion. Food accounts for more than 70 per cent of the company’s sales. All of Paulig’s 14 factories use renewable electricity. Six factories have also switched to using renewable biogas, and of these, the Vuosaari roastery and factories in Sweden use biogas exclusively. The biggest consumer of biogas is Paulig’s Belgian factory, which produces mainly tortillas and tacos. Text: Sami Anteroinen Photos: Paulig Aiheet biogas gas infrastructure Share page https://gasgrid.fi/en/biogas-fuels-pauligs-roasteries-and-tortilla-factories/ Copy link Link copied Sähköposti Facebook Whatsapp X messaging service Linkedin Read also All articles 03.07.2026 Article Potential of electricity and gas networks discussed at SuomiAreena: Is Finland’s energy infrastructure the world’s best? Article 01.07.2026 Article Good encounters at Farmari Article 01.07.2026 Article Experts reviewed the current role of gases and took a bold look to the future at SuomiAreena Article 01.07.2026 Article Hydrogen pipeline on the way – what do landowners need to know? Article
Future of Gases: Resilience, integration, and security highlighted in energy sector development 16.6.2026 The speakers at Gasgrid’s “Future of Gas” (Kaasujen Tulevaisuus) event, from left to right, were Janne Grönlund, Heli Virkki, Jani Nurmi, Jan Montell, Jenni Patronen, and Olli Sipilä. The energy sector is now talking about resilience and security in a completely new way. The role of gases is also changing. The energy markets are being driven by demand and technology, but also, for example, geopolitics. These were some of the key findings of the Future of Gases event, hosted by Gasgrid for its stakeholders in June. – Finland has demonstrated real energy wisdom over the past 20–30 years. However, the period ahead requires just as much sensible decision-making and smooth implementation, said Gasgrid CEO Olli Sipilä, giving his opening remarks at the ‘Future of Gases: A Stable Energy System’ stakeholder event in Helsinki Olli Sipilä, CEO of Gasgrid, hosted the “Future of Gas” stakeholder event. He called on Finland to continue demonstrating energy wisdom in the future as well. Energy industry veteran and international board professional Jan Montell brought a European perspective to the event. Montell, a Member of the Board of the Ukrainian transmission system operator NPC Ukrenergo, spoke in favor of free markets, robust infrastructure, and self-sufficiency, but also reminded of the proper balance. – If one pursues self-sufficiency in absolutely everything, it becomes too expensive. Montell pointed out that developing energy systems requires a lot of resources. In Finland this means smart digitalization, capable professionals, and enough capital to make the whole equation work. In addition, the right attitude is simply a must. In Montell’s opinion, Finland is prone to getting stuck in ‘storm-in-a-teacup’ type scenarios, which serve to distract from the real problems. – In Kyiv, on the other hand, people are living under war conditions. But it is not visible around town, other than the fact that there are small generators on street corners because of blackouts. Energy transition keeps accelerating Director Jenni Patronen from consulting agency Afry talked about the key drivers for change in the energy system. Patronen, who has been involved in energy consulting for almost 20 years, stated that the energy sector has already experienced a “huge change,” but the pace is only accelerating. Outlook for demand, new technologies, political guidance, and geopolitics each have their own part to play in how energy markets and systems will evolve in the future. Patronen commented that although fossil fuels still play a significant role in Europe, electrification and alternative fuels will occupy center stage in the future. In her remarks, Jenni Patronen of AFRY spoke, among other things, about the drivers of change in the energy sector. –The demand for electricity in the coming years will be driven by the increase in the number of data centers as well as the electrification of industry, road transport, and heating in the medium and long term. Looking further ahead, the need for alternative fuels in air traffic and shipping will boost the demand for emission-free hydrogen, she said. According to Patronen, the need for emission-free electricity will inevitably increase with carbon neutrality and economic growth, also in Finland. At the same time, the role of gases in the electricity market is becoming more important. In addition to combined heat and power (CHP), gas turbines and engines are the only long-term flexibility providers in the electricity market, Patronen pointed out. – From the perspective of the electricity market, gas has a role that is actually bigger than what the gas volumes would suggest, in terms of ensuring power supply. This role will remain the same or increase by 2030, she said. – In addition, cleaner gases, such as biogas and e-methane, will improve security of supply as their production keeps growing in Finland. The gas network is key to enabling renewable gas export opportunities to Central Europe. Gases are an excellent solution to the challenges of the future Janne Grönlund, Director of Gasgrid’s Gas Business, shed more light on the role of gases in a stable energy system and market. Grönlund spoke about the energy system of the future, which emphasizes storability, renewability, efficient energy transmission, rapid adjustment and flexibility, and resilience. According to Janne Grönlund, the energy system of the future will emphasize storability, renewability, efficient energy transmission, rapid responsiveness and flexibility, as well as high resilience. Grönlund notes that the characteristics of the gas system are well suited to these needs. According to Grönlund, gas systems can meet these needs very well indeed. In terms of storage alone, gas is superior. Finland has a storage capacity of 1.2 million MWh for gases, with the majority of capacity coming from LNG terminals. For comparison: with electricity, one would need 12,000 industrial-level batteries (each 100 MWh) to achieve the same storage capacity. – Gas can generate value and benefits on an even wider scale in the coming future, Grönlund stated. Asia drive the evolution of clean hydrogen? Hydrogen is a big priority in China, as shown recently in the falling manufacturing costs of clean hydrogen in the country. This was noted by Jani Nurmi, Director of Gasgrid’s Investment Unit, in his presentation, which focused on international markets. In his presentation, Jani Nurmi shed light on international markets. Nurmi considered Finland’s competitiveness to be strong within the European energy landscape, but called for investments in the technology ecosystem and hydrogen storage. – Global value chains for green hydrogen and ammonia are forming in India and China, Nurmi pointed out. Europe is following suit a little slower, but Germany, for example, is very active in launching clean gases. Nurmi sees Finland’s situation as a solid one: – Finland is very competitive in the European energy environment, but we need investments in the tech ecosystem and hydrogen storage. This way, we can reduce costs and thrive in global competition. The hydrogen economy is taking shape in Finland Heli Virkki, VP, Hydrogen valleys & customer projects at Gasgrid, provided an overview of the development of Finland’s future gas networks and regional value chains. Virkki emphasized the importance of building a national multi-gas platform: hydrogen, methane, and carbon dioxide are all needed. – Just one gas is not enough. Creating the hydrogen valleys of the future and an entire hydrogen ecosystem will require bold pioneers who can drive value chains forward, said Heli Virkki. Addressing Finland’s hydrogen pipeline project, Virkki said that the new route map will be published in the autumn 2026 and the EIA reports in early 2027. In addition, a draft of the new Hydrogen Market Act is currently making the rounds and is likely to enter into force in early 2027. In creating the hydrogen valleys and the entire hydrogen ecosystem of the future, brave pioneers are needed to drive the value chains onward. It is certainly a worthwhile effort, Virkki believes. – Finland has the best opportunity in Europe to create a market for clean gases. Read more Check out the recording of the event (In Finnish) and presentation materials (In Finnish) Jan Montell: Energy sector shows the way to a more sustainable future Text: Sami Anteroinen Photos: Sami Heiskanen Aiheet clean transition energy system Share page https://gasgrid.fi/en/future-of-gases-resilience-integration-and-security-highlighted-in-energy-sector-development/ Copy link Link copied Sähköposti Facebook Whatsapp X messaging service Linkedin Read also All articles 03.07.2026 Article Potential of electricity and gas networks discussed at SuomiAreena: Is Finland’s energy infrastructure the world’s best? 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