National hydrogen transmission network

According to the Finnish Government’s resolution in principle, Finland aims to establish a leading position in the European hydrogen economy. The development of Finland’s hydrogen economy is part of the European Union’s broader strategy to phase out fossil fuels, strengthen energy self-sufficiency, and build sustainable economic growth.

Finland has excellent prerequisites to become a frontrunner in the hydrogen economy and to produce up to 10% of the EU’s clean hydrogen.

Finland’s key strengths in hydrogen include:

• significant renewable electricity production potential, particularly wind and solar power
• competitive electricity price
• a well-functioning and stable energy system
• a highly skilled workforce
• access to biogenic carbon dioxide
• a diverse industrial base and
• investments in electricity and hydrogen infrastructure further support the development of the hydrogen economy.

A national hydrogen infrastructure is the foundation for the development of the hydrogen economy. A hydrogen pipeline network enables the cost-efficient transport of hydrogen at scale, the balancing of production and consumption, and short-term storage. The hydrogen network integrates industry, transport, and heating into the broader energy system, increasing flexibility, efficiency, and resilience. Over long distances, pipeline transport is particularly energy-efficient for hydrogen.

The objective is to develop a national hydrogen pipeline network during the 2030s in close cooperation with regions, industry, market participants, and other stakeholders. A regional development model enables the hydrogen network to evolve simultaneously in different parts of Finland while leveraging regional strengths.

Hydrogen plays a central role in reducing industrial emissions and transforming the energy system. It enables the replacement of fossil fuels, particularly in sectors where direct electrification is challenging, such as heavy industry, transport, and the chemical industry. At the same time, the hydrogen economy creates new business models and value chains, attracts investments, and has the potential to generate jobs across Finland—strengthening regional vitality and the national economy.

A national hydrogen network enhances Finland’s security of supply and energy independence by reducing reliance on imported energy and exposure to geopolitical risks. Hydrogen production based on domestic renewable energy, combined with a backbone network connecting regional hydrogen clusters, ensures reliable energy supply for critical industry and transport even under exceptional circumstances. At the same time, the hydrogen network connects Finland to the European hydrogen market, creating conditions for hydrogen exports, new investments, and sustainable economic growth.

Hydrogen transported through Gasgrid’s hydrogen network is produced via electrolysis using e.g. renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power, supporting the transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy system.

Hydrogen infrastructure enables the cost-efficient transport of hydrogen at scale and supports balancing between production and consumption as well as short-term storage. Furthermore, the development of hydrogen infrastructure facilitates the integration of industry, transport, and heating through electricity, district heating, and gas networks—often referred to as energy system sector integration. This integration improves efficiency, flexibility, and overall system resilience.

Our goal is to develop a national hydrogen pipeline network during the 2030s. Planning and development are carried out in cooperation with regions, industry, market participants, and other stakeholders. The regional development model allows regional strengths and needs to be taken into account while enabling the hydrogen network to develop simultaneously across Finland.

Currently, we are assessing alternative routing options for the national hydrogen infrastructure and future hydrogen transport needs in Finland and the Baltic Sea region. As part of this work, we continuously collect input from stakeholders. The purpose of the hydrogen market study is to assess industrial interest in connecting to hydrogen infrastructure in the future and to evaluate project development in relation to infrastructure needs.

Gasgrid is also actively involved in planning international hydrogen infrastructure projects together with partners. These include the Nordic Hydrogen Route, the Nordic-Baltic Hydrogen Corridor, and the Baltic Sea Hydrogen Collector. The progress of these projects is supported by funding from the European Union. All of the above projects have been granted Project of Common Interest (PCI) status by the EU, demonstrating their significance at the European level in terms of market integration, climate action, and energy system resilience.

PCI status enables accelerated permitting processes and access to EU funding, helping to advance projects towards implementation. Finland’s national hydrogen network also benefits from this support and cooperation, as international projects strengthen the development of domestic infrastructure and markets.

At present, international projects are primarily in the study and planning phase. Feasibility studies lay the foundation for future investments and enable the advancement of large-scale infrastructure projects. The progress of consortium-based international projects, Finland’s active role in the European hydrogen economy, and transparency in funding are key themes that we are committed to communicating regularly and openly.

Hydrogen information package 

Gasgrid published its first hydrogen information package to promote the development of the Finnish hydrogen market and to support market participants in 2025. The hydrogen information package brings together key information on the development of the national hydrogen network, the principles for connecting to the network, and the market model for hydrogen pipeline transmission. 

The publication supports investment planning by market participants and promotes open dialogue in the development of the hydrogen market. The hydrogen information package is part of a broader framework that will be updated regularly as the market and regulatory environment evolve. It also supports the planning of the national hydrogen infrastructure and strengthens Finland’s position as part of the European hydrogen economy. The first hydrogen information package has been published in English and is primarily intended for market participants and stakeholders.