How to get clean hydrogen right from the start: the Three Pillars of Success

This requires a blend of science and analysis of business opportunities. Failing to achieve this could result in Finland not realizing its potential as both a hydrogen fuels producer and exporter of technology and services, thus missing out on significant economic and energy security benefits. To make this vision a reality, radical acts are needed — ones that, in the context of the clean hydrogen economy, focus not on hype but rather on upscaling production and realizing the deployment of cutting-edge technologies.

Aalto University exemplifies the exceptional potential of Finland. “We are a competence powerhouse,” says Laura Carnicelli, Account Director at Aalto University Executive Education (Aalto EE). “Our combination of systemic thinking and technical expertise positions us to support industries in leading sustainable change — both at Aalto and across Finland.”

We must prioritize sustainable material use and invest in local production.

Valuing our precious materials

“Developing sustainable energy solutions requires efficient resource use,” says Sam Cross, Coordinator of Aalto Hydrogen Innovation Centre (H2IC). Mika Järvinen, Associate Professor and Director of Aalto H2IC adds, “We must prioritize sustainable material use and invest in local production. Where we do export materials and fuels, we should focus on high-value products. For example, rather than exporting only hydrogen itself, we should look to methanol and ammonia.”

Otherwise, Finland risks missing the opportunity to capture the greatest economic and technological value.

Aalto University is advancing sustainable solutions through innovative research. Associate Professor Tanja Kallio, Head of Doctoral School H2IC, is creating nanotube-based electrocatalysts that use 90% less rare metals like iridium and platinum. At the same time, Associate Professor Mari Lundström is improving water-based recycling methods to recover and reuse materials efficiently.

In search of optimized systems 

Reducing the cost of green hydrogen is vital but requires strategic planning. “Much of the green transition can already be achieved through direct electrification,” says Järvinen.

The expansion of renewable electricity is hindered by a lack of demand at peak production times. To drive progress, investments in wind and solar power should be tied to investments in hydrogen plants and flexible energy systems.

Aalto University is running several wind turbine technology research projects supported by the Research Council of Finland (Suomen Akatemia). The focus is on integrating large-scale Arctic onshore and offshore wind power with energy systems and the hydrogen economy.

Hydrogen-based fuels, including e-methanol and methane, hold great promise for not only advancing a circular economy but also driving the transition to carbon-free energy.

Approval delays for energy sector investment projects remain a bottleneck. While regulatory processes are necessary, permitting processes can be improved, and public acceptance achieved through better stakeholder engagement.

Sustainability meets profitability – the winning approach

A slower pace can sometimes be a blessing in disguise for industries. “With speed can come tunnel vision. There needs to be careful systemic and strategic thinking,” says Carnicelli.

Hurrying into the clean hydrogen economy risks repeating past mistakes. ”If we rush, we might find ourselves importing hydrogen, much like the over-reliance of Europe on imported biofuels,” says Cross. Järvinen adds, “This would be counterproductive. We have the capacity to produce clean hydrogen domestically and export it profitably. However, we advocate focusing on the production and export of high-value hydrogen-based products like methanol and ammonia.’’

To ensure a sustainable transition, new business models are essential. Industries could greatly benefit from a collaborative and long-term approach with academic research and innovation. “Investing billions in hydrogen must also deliver a positive return,” says Järvinen.

Conclusion: Advancing with thoughtful determination

Finland’s strong ties between academia and industry position it for a successful transition to a clean hydrogen economy. Through strategic investments and systemic thinking, Finland can set a global example of sustainable energy leadership.

In September 2023, Aalto University launched the Hydrogen Innovation Centre to unify and enhance our research across the hydrogen value chain, maximize collaboration, and educate future experts.

As a competence developer, Aalto EE’s role is to help companies develop the expertise to navigate the transition and identify new business opportunities. One example is the Hydrogen Business Professional program targeted to experts and leaders in Finnish industry, developed together with the H2 Cluster member companies.

Moving from research to industrial production, the key lies in balancing pace with the right innovation. “Slower can also be more cost efficient,” says Järvinen. “At Aalto and across Finland, we have the technology, expertise, and resources to create sustainable solutions that are both economically viable and environmentally responsible. We are ready to lead the way.”