Plan for the Finnish hydrogen network published
Gasgrid Finland has published preliminary alternative route plans for the Finnish hydrogen network, which will help to promote the development of the transmission network with industrial operators, project developers and municipalities, among others. The company aims to develop a hydrogen infrastructure that meets the needs of operators and an open hydrogen market by the early 2030s.
The preliminary alternative route plans are based on a market survey conducted by Gasgrid in 2023 to identify the transmission needs of hydrogen producers and users in Finland.
-Currently, most of the published wind power projects are located on the west coast of Finland and a large part of Finland's CO2 emissions are generated in southern Finland, which means that the hydrogen transmission network will be built mainly in the coastal area in the first phase. Our aim is to involve a wider range of hydrogen operators in the implementation of a backbone network covering the whole of Finland," says Sara Kärki, Director of Hydrogen Development.
-The market survey is still open to identify project plans from project developers and companies. We are still hoping for many more responses to the survey to support the further stages of our route planning," says Heli Virkki, Head of Hydrogen Valley Development at Gasgrid.
-In addition to the survey, Gasgrid has identified opportunities for the development of the hydrogen economy in the whole of Finland and wants to activate operators, especially in areas where project development is still at an early stage. Potential areas for future hydrogen transmission network development include Eastern, Central and Northern Finland, where new wind or solar power generation may emerge. The active participation of these regions will ensure the implementation of a backbone network covering the whole of Finland," says Kärki.
Mapping of concrete route options with the regions and municipalities will start in early summer 2024.
Gasgrid will be able to start mapping concrete route options together with counties and municipalities during spring 2024.
-Feedback on the route options will be collected to support further route planning, including from companies and project developers involved in the development of the hydrogen economy. The first phase of route discussions will be organised with the counties and municipalities through which the hydrogen transport trunk line would pass according to the first draft alternative route plans," says Virkki.
