Gasgrid investigates expansion of natural gas network for synthetic methane
Gas transmission company Gasgrid is investigating the expansion of the national gas transmission network to western Finland. There is a growing need for natural gas produced from renewable energy sources in the region, and studies indicate significant supply potential. According to Gasgrid's current estimates, the renewable gas supply capacity in the planned expansion area could increase to approximately 3–4 terawatt hours (TWh), which corresponds to 25 percent of Finland's current gas consumption.
Gasgrid develops its gas transmission network in line with customer needs and monitors regional requirements. The company has identified potential gas transmission needs in Western Finland and is now investigating expanding the gas transmission network to that region. The planned new pipeline would run either via Tampere to Pori–Rauma or alternatively from Inkoo to Pori–Rauma. The route will be finalised once the needs of gas users in the area have been mapped out. The extension under investigation would be approximately 250–350 kilometres long, depending on the route chosen.
–Production facilities for synthetic methane, or e-methane, are being planned in Pori and Rauma, which, if implemented, would benefit from a flexible gas transmission infrastructure. In addition, connecting the Tahkoluoto LNG terminal in Pori to the transmission network would improve security of supply and serve the market more broadly, says Janne Grönlund, Head of Gas Business at Gasgrid.
"Our goal in developing and expanding the transmission infrastructure is to strengthen the vitality of the gas market and maintain our customers' ability to use gas competitively. The expansion of the gas system not only supports identified customer needs but also energy security and Finland's security of supply, Grönlund continues.
Gasgrid in talks with potential bio and e-methane producers
Over the past year, Gasgrid has held negotiations with several potential bio and e-methane producers who are planning to connect to the Finnish gas transmission network.
"The potential supply of renewable gas has currently been identified as approximately 7 terawatt hours in the area covered by the existing gas network and the planned extension in western Finland, which corresponds to about half of the current total gas consumption. Of this amount, approximately 3–4 terawatt hours have been identified as potential for the Western Finland region, says Grönlund.
The transformation of the energy sector and the carbon neutrality targets of Finland and the EU 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, enable the transition to a carbon-neutral society. Gasgrid supports this development by granting a discount on renewable gas transmission fees from the beginning of 2026.
Discussion needed to refine the plan
Discussions with local industry and businesses on various gas supply and usage needs will continue to refine the planned transmission network.
The preliminary plans follow the planned route of the hydrogen network in Western Finland. However, hydrogen and natural gas will have their own separate transmission pipelines in the future, as the same pipeline cannot be used to transport both gases at the same time.
If implemented, the expansion project for the transmission network in Western Finland would be completed within 5–10 years in the early 2030s.
