At a networking event at the Nordic Embassy in Berlin, experts discussed the country's role in the production of sustainable fuels and its cooperation with German companies.

“Only with close international cooperation we can achieve the European climate goals,” said Juha Peltomäki, Head of Industry Bio & Circular, Invest in Finland at Business Finland, in his speech at the network event ‘Leading the way towards affordable eFuel production’ at the Nordic Embassy on January 22. In Finland, it is stipulated by law that the country will be climate-neutral by 2035. An important building block for achieving the Finnish and European goals is the development and production of eFuels. “Synthetic fuels are an essential technology for sectors that are difficult to electrify, such as aviation,” said Peltomäki.

Ideal conditions for eFuel production

In many regards, Finland already to-date has the ideal conditions for advancing eFuel production on an industrial scale. The country has one of the fastest growing wind energy infrastructures in Europe. Capacity is expected to triple by 2030, ensuring cheap and clean electricity for eFuel production. In addition, the stable Finnish electricity grid can reliably supply even large production sites – and at a competitive price level. At around eight cents per kilowatt hour, Finland ranks second in Europe directly behind Norway (6 cents, Germany: 22 cents). Added to this is the good availability of resources for hydrogen production and biogenic carbon sources from sustainable forestry. Finnish eFuel production also benefits from well-developed locations with corresponding logistical connections and a qualified workforce, experienced in the process industry.

Partnerships strengthen European cooperation

Cooperation with companies from other countries underlines Finland's importance as a European partner in the energy transition. INERATEC, a manufacturer of synthetic fuels from Karlsruhe, for example, built its first pilot plant in Espoo in 2016 in close cooperation with the Finnish research center VTT. Samantha Michaux, Business Development Manager at INERATEC, emphasizes the advantages of the Finnish location: “Finland has everything we need – there is green electricity, CO2 sources and sufficient space.”

Finland has one of the fastest growing wind energy infrastructures in Europe.

eFuels are a realistic solution for reducing CO2 emissions, particularly in the aviation sector. The EU initiative ReFuelEU Aviation calls for significant proportions of sustainable aviation fuels by 2050. Finland is taking on a pioneering role: Several major projects are currently being driven forward here, including Total's e-methanol plant in Kokkola, and Norsk e-Fuel’s plants in Rauma and Imatra. First contracts with international airlines have already been concluded.

Long-term vision for Finland and Europe

With its comprehensive approach to expanding eFuel production, Finland is pursuing a long-term vision: a sustainable Europe with significantly reduced dependence on fossil fuels. The country relies on technological innovation, large-scale infrastructure projects and the sustainable use of resources. The country is addressing the current challenges in terms of profitability and energy efficiency through scaling and technological advances in order to quickly achieve competitive prices for eFuels. Peltomäki emphasizes: “The initial investments are necessary – but the long-term benefits for the environment and the economy clearly outweigh them.”

Invest in Finland helps foreign companies identify business opportunities in Finland, produces information on Finland as an investment destination, and enhances and coordinates national efforts to attract investment by actively networking with regional and international entities. Invest in Finland also collects and updates information about foreign-owned companies in Finland. Invest in Finland is part of Business Finland.

Business Finland is the Finnish government organization for innovation funding and trade, travel, and investment promotion. Business Finland’s over 760 experts work in over 40 offices globally and in 16 regional offices around Finland. Business Finland is part of the Team Finland network.