We build the future of clean transition together

This blog post summarises the views heard during the seminar from industry experts and stakeholders, as well as the overall contribution of the event from the author's perspective.

The ThinkBIG event focused on how to successfully drive large-scale green transition investments in places with huge potential but limited existing resources. Several presentations and discussions at the event confirmed that building a clean transition is a sustainability discipline and a team effort - individual projects are important, but the ability to create ecosystems where different actors support each other is crucial.

The promise and reality of the hydrogen economy

Olli Sipilä, CEO of Gasgrid, pointed out that the debate around the hydrogen economy is multi-stage. While some projects have not progressed at the desired pace, the fundamentals are in place: "An industrial project usually takes five years. In the energy sector, this is perfectly normal - that's why you need patience and the courage to grow."

Sipilä said that the hydrogen sector has huge potential - its scale in the future could match the size of the current forest industry. At the same time, it would support the growth of the energy industry and forestry. He stressed that EU regulation is progressing, but that this is still at an early stage. International cooperation and promoting Finland's competitive advantages abroad are now crucial. We can set an example for the rest of Europe and help create the solutions that the rest of Europe needs.

Gasgrid is already prepared to connect the hydrogen network to the European Hydrogen Valleys, and CEF support and European security policy objectives can open up new funding channels for infrastructure development.

Challenges for the chemical industry and the carbon neutrality objective

Tuomas Tikka from the Finnish Chemical Industry Association highlighted the organisation's goal to achieve a carbon neutral chemical industry in Finland by 2045. The target requires huge changes: the use of clean electricity should triple and the use of hydrogen should increase significantly. In addition, the linear use of materials must be shifted towards a circular economy model.

However, Tikka pointed out that technology alone is not enough - someone has to buy the end products. Therefore, regulation must create sufficient incentives for clean solutions to gain a foothold in the market.

Nivala as an investment hub

One of the most talked about topics at the event was Nivala's position as an investment destination. Andreas F. Brandt (Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners) spoke about plans to build a biogas plant in Nivala. The plant will produce energy on a scale sufficient to meet the energy needs of 30 000 households. Moreover, the process is based on raw materials that are inedible for both humans and animals, making it a sustainable solution. Cooperation with local farmers is key. His message was clear: "Farmers are our most important customers."

Fabian Hinz (Abo Energy) also brought news - a German developer is planning a major hydrogen project in Nivala. This will support the region's growing role as a hub for clean energy production.

The backdrop is the Nivala Enterprise Village, built on strong cooperation and an entrepreneurial atmosphere. Nivala's strength is its diverse business scene, which does not rely on one big player but offers services to a wide range of customers. The municipality's pro-business attitude - including proactive zoning - has created a favourable environment for new investment.

Lessons learned from the panel discussion: contractual skills and internationalisation

The day's panel discussion brought together a prestigious group of business and public leaders: Matti Heikkinen (GRK), Henriikka Skantz (KSBR), Markku Kivistö (Business Finland) and Toni Krankkala (NIHAK).

The panel discussion highlighted the need to build chains of projects: when a biogas plant, a hydrogen production plant and a solar park are located close to each other, synergies are created, where the waste of one operator is the raw material of the other.

Another key issue was how domestic companies can get involved in large-scale projects. The answer was clear: contractual expertise and international capability. English, the ability to react quickly and to work with a variety of international partners are crucial.

Major projects also require input from municipalities and regions. The accommodation of workers, the reception of families and the preparedness of schools and nurseries are all part of the package. The long-term impact can be in the billions - from service providers to local SMEs.

Finland has the opportunity to lead the way in clean transition investments

The discussions and speeches also highlighted the fact that Finland is one of the most competitive countries in Europe in terms of clean transition investments. We just need to believe in ourselves and seize the opportunities. The development of the wind energy sector can serve as a good example of how the sector has evolved: after a long wait, the sector has grown enormously in ten years. The same can happen with hydrogen, biogas and other new solutions.

In the end, the message of the day was hopeful: saving the world is good business. It requires courage, cooperation and involving young people in building the future.

Summary

ThinkBIG Nivala 2025 showed that small communities like Nivala can become a major hub for clean energy investment. The messages from the speakers were clear: the technology and know-how are already there, but courage, perseverance and the ability to work together are needed.

Nivala's strength is its community and entrepreneurial atmosphere, which attracts international investment. When ambitious projects come to fruition, they can change the role of not only the region but also Finland as a whole in the global energy transition.

ThinkBIG was more than a seminar - it was a reminder that a sustainable future is made together, one step at a time.

The original article was published on the Osaamista energiamurroksen johtamiseen - joint project page.