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Hydrogen economy

Green hydrogen is a key solution for Finland’s future. The hydrogen economy offers significant potential as part of a more sustainable energy system. By the hydrogen economy, we mean the wider system in which hydrogen acts as a key energy carrier.

What is green hydrogen?

Green hydrogen is central to the transition towards a carbon-neutral future because its production does not generate carbon dioxide emissions. Today, almost all hydrogen is produced from fossil fuels such as natural gas via steam-methane reforming. Green hydrogen is produced using renewable electricity – for example from solar or wind power – by means of electrolysis.
Hydrogen can play a role in transport, heat and industrial processes – sectors with substantial current climate impacts. The growth of the hydrogen economy is driven by electrification and renewable power.

5 facts about the hydrogen economy

  1. Clean energy carrier: Hydrogen can be produced using renewable electricity from wind and solar – providing a low-carbon alternative to fossil fuels and supporting the green transition.
  2. Energy self-sufficiency: The hydrogen economy can improve Finland’s energy self-sufficiency, as hydrogen can be produced locally.
  3. Versatility: Hydrogen can be used across sectors – in transport, industry and the power sector – and serves not only as a fuel but also as an energy-storage solution.
  4. Storage and transport: Hydrogen can be stored and transported in several ways, enabling the storage and transport of energy from renewables.
  5. Challenges and investment: Realising the hydrogen economy requires significant investment in infrastructure and technology. Supportive policy decisions are needed at the municipal, national and EU levels.

Case studies

FCG involved in designing Finland’s national hydrogen network

FCG Rakennettu Ympäristö Oy has been selected by Gasgrid Finland to deliver Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the Western Finland section of the future hydrogen transmission network. The Tornio–Porvoo corridor is divided into five assessment areas, and FCG is responsible for the EIA procedure in the western areas. The project advances the green transition and strengthens Finland’s energy self-sufficiency.

In the EIA, FCG identifies ecological values along the route, assesses environmental impacts, and gathers feedback from stakeholders with the aim of minimising impacts on the environment, people and landscape. FCG is actively engaging stakeholders by organising public events across Western Finland during the autumn and winter. EIA work has begun simultaneously in all five areas. Final routing decisions will be based on the EIA results, stakeholder dialogue and technical design.

“We want to ensure that everyone, from landowners to municipalities and local residents, is heard in this process.” – Essi Kuisma, Project Manager, FCG

FCG maps routes for Finland’s national hydrogen pipeline network in Southern Northern Ostrobothnia

FCG carried out a preliminary study on a regional hydrogen and power-line network in the southern part of Northern Ostrobothnia – the first study of its kind in Finland. The client was NIHAK, the regional development company representing the municipalities of Nivala, Haapajärvi, Kärsämäki, Pyhäjärvi, Reisjärvi and Sievi. The aim was to identify technically and land-use feasible route options to serve major industrial areas and to support Gasgrid Finland’s national hydrogen pipeline network.

FCG analysed alternative alignments and potential corridors for power lines and hydrogen pipelines. The work assessed techno-economic and environmental impacts. Key stages included mapping alignment options from both technical and land-use perspectives, identifying grid connection points, comparing siting alternatives and preparing preliminary plans. The study also examined crossings with key transport corridors and produced material to support master and local detailed planning.

The study was completed by the end of March 2025. Its results will be used in developing local industrial areas and in planning energy transmission. Alongside Gasgrid, Fingrid and NIHAK, participants included the area’s cities and municipalities, regional network companies and organisations preparing hydrogen-production projects.

“The aim of the preliminary study is to site the hydrogen pipeline and power lines in a way that takes account of technical feasibility, safety clearances and land-use needs. We will also set out preliminary routes and technical solutions that support the region’s business community and the development of energy infrastructure, and we will prepare material for master and local detailed planning and for subsequent design.” – Tero Pyrhönen, Business Unit Director, FCG

Learn more by contacting our specialists

Teemu Linnakoski
Customer Relations Director
firstname.lastname@fcg.fi
+358 44 278 7324

Tuula Liukko
Development Manager
firstname.lastname@fcg.fi
+358 40 8278609