Gasgrid advances hydrogen pipeline plans from Haaparanta to southern Finland

Gasgrid, a Finnish state-owned company, is rapidly advancing its plans to construct a national hydrogen network. The company aims to build a hydrogen pipeline from Haaparanta along the western coast into southern Finland. This year, Gasgrid has engaged in routing discussions with regional authorities and now has preliminary route plans to show. An environmental impact assessment process is set to begin next year, with a final investment decision targeted for 2026. The goal is for the hydrogen pipeline to be operational by the early 2030s, coinciding with Europe’s ambitious emissions reduction targets for hard-to-electrify sectors.

Finland aims to take a leading role in Europe’s hydrogen economy, with the national hydrogen infrastructure being a critical component. The western coastline is pivotal for this transition, with numerous hydrogen initiatives and renewable energy investments underway. Major steel plants in Raah and Tornio are expected to become significant hydrogen users in the future. In industry, hydrogen is set to replace natural gas, and new applications are emerging in shipping, aviation, and some heavy transport sectors.

Gasgrid’s initial pipeline proposal includes various potential routes in southern Finland. A one-meter diameter hydrogen pipeline can potentially replace up to 15 large power lines, requiring a 5-10 meter wide, treeless corridor for installation. Valve stations will be placed every 20-50 kilometers, while compression stations will be located every 200-500 kilometers. Gasgrid is currently conducting a market study to engage industry stakeholders, aiming to facilitate investment decisions by 2026.

The company is also involved in three international projects that extend beyond Finland, including pipeline expansions into Sweden and under the Baltic Sea to Estonia and Germany, with a potential total investment in hydrogen economy projected at €70-110 billion.