Finland and Australia discuss accelerating their decarbonisation and Net-Zero goals

Finland’s most recent delegation (24th – 28th October) visit to Sydney, Melbourne and Newcastle has connected key Finnish and Australian stakeholders operating along the entire green energy value chain. This visit has focused on the decarbonising thematic with a steady focus on the digital and green energy transitions, smart port technologies and the decarbonisation of the marine sector and digital solutions for sustainable cities. The Finnish delegation met with companies such as Ampcontrol and AGL, who are enabling the cross integration of renewable energy sectors with potential P2X projects and developing one of Australia’s first private backed hydrogen hubs.

Business Finland has been working with ARC Training Centre for The Global Hydrogen Economy and The New South Wales Decarbonisation Innovation Hub to prepare an scoping document that highlights a strong case for an Australian and Finland Hydrogen and Power to X collaboration. The Hub is a key part of the state government's Net Zero Industry and Innovation Program and will bring together government, industry, and researchers to fast-track technologies to decarbonise NSW.

UNSW Scientia Professor Deo Prasad, CEO of the Hub, says “The workshop with the Finnish government delegation has narrowed down several key collaboration areas between the Hub and the Finnish interests. The Hub is set up to be a ‘front’ door’ to industry and government collaborations in the decarbonisation space.”

Dr Rahman Daiyan, Chief Investigator of GlobH2E, says: “Our team from ARC Training Centre of the Global Hydrogen Economy is currently conducting a study on ‘Power-to-X: The Case for a Partnership Between Finland and Australia’ to identify the strengths Australia and Finland have in Power-to-X and explore opportunities where a partnership could be developed for maximum gain.”

NSW is taking a lead by coordinating efforts across their research, development, and commercialisation sectors. Opportunities are being identified for collaboration in technology scale ups and adoption for businesses in both countries. This will enable scaling of high-tech businesses, whilst developing and learning from Finnish expertise in emission reduction and renewable energy.

Helena Sarén, Head of Zero Carbon Future Mission at Business Finland, says: “Climate change is a global issue of significant concern to humanity that needs to be urgently addressed and Australia and Finland share common goals when it comes to addressing climate change. There is need to intensify global co-operation in research and development and collaboration between businesses to accelerate the energy transition.”

The opportunity to use hydrogen in existing industries creates early pathways for transition and development of a green hydrogen value chain. The transition has the power to tackle decarbonisation of maritime industry, transportation and chemical industries. Finland’s vast experience in technology development, high-end manufacturing, and innovation in renewable energy has the momentum to provide Australia with a win-win situation. However, the transition needs commitment from all industries.

Ville Kopra, State Secretary to the Minister for Foreign Trade says: “Both Finland and Australia are aligned in their common goals to decarbonise and reach Net Zero. To achieve this, we need concrete investments in projects across all sectors of the economy. During my time in Australia, I am thrilled to discover that a solid foundation for cooperation already exists. We must now further that cooperation through the exchange of ideas and best practices. We can continue to learn from each other as evidenced by the awarding of the 2022 Millennium Technology Prize to Australian Professor Martin Green of the University of New South Wales. Technology Academy Finland awarded Professor Green €1 million in recognition of his innovative work that has transformed the production of solar energy.”

Australian industries are embracing the energy transition with plans to decarbonise existing infrastructure with net zero carbon emissions. During Team Finland’s visit to Melbourne, the industry body presented its approach to a Green & Digital Transition, Smart and Sustainable Cities and the creation of circular Economy, in its home country.

The delegation was organised by Team Finland’s network members at Business Finland, Embassy of Finland in Australia and Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment.

Learn more about the delegation visit

About Business Finland

Business Finland is the Finnish government organization for innovation funding and trade, travel, and investment promotion. Business Finland’s over 700 experts work in over 40 offices globally and in 16 regional offices around Finland. Business Finland is part of the Team Finland network. www.businessfinland.com