Hydrogen Research Forum Finland: strengthening Finland’s competitiveness through strategic hydrogen research

"Utilizing Finland's potential requires research efforts especially in hydrogen derivative production processes, necessary electricity and gas infrastructure, and extensive collaboration between research institutions, industry, and authorities. In addition, it is essential to verify the environmental benefits of selected processes and understand the role of international regulations in shaping the market," says Pertti Kauranen, chairman of Hydrogen Research Forum Finland and professor of energy storage at LUT University.

Hydrogen Research Forum Finland emphasizes that the success of the hydrogen economy demands significant investments in future energy solutions. For example, Finland's large wind power potential, competitive electricity prices, and availability of biogenic carbon dioxide enable substantial investments in the production of renewable hydrogen and related value-added products, such as synthetic e-fuels and green steel.

The report divides the research needs into short-term (1–3 years), medium-term (3–5 years), and long-term (5–10 years) goals. It highlights the most critical research areas that can advance the hydrogen economy in Finland.

Critical research topics for strengthening Finland's competitiveness:

1. Synthetic value-added products of hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and their use – including e-methanol, e-ammonia, and sustainable aviation fuels (SAF).
2. Use of hydrogen – in the production of clean steel, fuel cells, and maritime transport.
3. Environment and sustainability – assessing the environmental impacts of the hydrogen economy, raw material availability, and life cycle analyses.
4. Storage and distribution of energy and hydrogen – research on hydrogen storage and pipeline transmission.
5. Energy and electricity system – energy flexibility, demand balancing, and utilizing by-products from hydrogen production.
6. Production of clean hydrogen – development and commercialization of more efficient electrolysis technologies.
7. Markets and society – supporting the green transition through business models and the development of competitiveness.
8. EU regulation and politics – assessing the impact of key regulations and considering geopolitical aspects.

At Tampere University, we research energy systems and biological processes for converting carbon dioxide into various products. Additionally, we are developing artificial photosynthesis, which is a key strategy in the EU’s Green Deal. We are also developing production methods for green hydrogen and its derivatives, optimized composite materials for the safe storage of hydrogen, and energy policy solutions to support the transition to a renewable hydrogen economy.”

Partnership manager Kai Hämäläinen, Tampere University

The national strategic hydrogen research initiative is supported by 12 Finnish universities and research institutions, including Aalto University, the University of Helsinki, the University of Jyväskylä, the Natural Resources Institute Finland, LUT University, the University of Oulu, Tampere University, the University of Turku, the University of Eastern Finland, the University of Vaasa, the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, and Åbo Akademi University.

You can find the report "Strategic research agenda for Finnish hydrogen research: Insights from the Hydrogen research forum Finland" on the Hydrogen Research Forum Finland website

For more information please contact:

Pertti Kauranen, LUT University, Chairman of Hydrogen Research Forum Finland, 
pertti.kauranen [at] lut.fi (pertti[dot]kauranen[at]lut[dot]fi)
phone: +358 50 574 8912

Kai Hämäläinen, Partnership manager, Tampere University
email: kai.hamalainen [at] tuni.fi (kai[dot]hamalainen[at]tuni[dot]fi)
phone: +358 50 318 7697