In the NIHAK region and the southern part of Northern Ostrobothnia, billion-euro clean transition projects are underway and being planned, bringing jobs, investments, and new industries to the area.
The region’s most significant strengths are the availability of clean and affordable energy, a strong electricity grid, and areas suitable for clean transition investments. These are complemented by close cooperation among local actors and strong support for projects. Municipalities and NIHAK have long laid the groundwork, creating favorable conditions for new investments.
The projects form complementary entities that create growth opportunities for local companies as well. For investors interested in the area, this means a ready-built foundation: infrastructure, zoned land, and committed public support that lower the investment threshold and accelerate project implementation.
The Think Big event offered a comprehensive overview of ongoing projects in southern Northern Ostrobothnia. One of them is the recently completed Halla Bioindustry Area in Haapajärvi. Mayor Jonna Tamminen highlighted the opportunities the project provides for businesses.
Matti Asikainen, CEO of NordFuel, presented the Haapavesi bioproduct plant project, which aims to produce bioethanol and biogas from domestic raw materials as substitutes for fossil fuels.
New Openings in Industry
The bioproduct plant, once realized, will create synergies for other actors: for example, Liquid Wind plans to use the carbon dioxide it produces for renewable methanol production. Project developer Juha Miikkulainen emphasized that these solutions meet the global need for carbon-free shipping while also strengthening local security of supply and employment.
An example of the potential in solar energy is Oomi Solar Oy’s power plant project in Nivala. According to CEO Olli Tuomivaara, the project has progressed well thanks to smooth cooperation with the municipality, authorities, and landowners. This positive experience boosts interest in new investments.
In addition to the solar power plant, two major projects are planned for Nivala: a biogas plant by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners and Wega Group Oy, and a hydrogen production facility by Abo Energy.
Towards the end of the event, participants witnessed a true surprise moment when the lease agreement for the Nivala Biogas Plant site was signed. From an investor’s perspective, this underlines that projects are progressing from words to contracts – decisions are being made now, and there’s still time to join.
Veijo Terho, Chairman of the Board of the Finnish Data Center Association, sees opportunities for the region to become part of Europe’s data center construction boom. The decisive factors are energy availability and price, expertise, and sustainability.
Sergio Torriani, CEO of the Italian company Simplifhy, presented the opportunities of hydrogen projects. The company develops solutions to harness renewable hydrogen as an energy source and raw material for various industries. The development of the hydrogen economy creates new opportunities for the region, for example, in the growth of the chemical industry.
Cooperation Makes the Region Competitive
The panel discussion at the Think Big event explored which factors determine the success of investments. The discussion highlighted Finland’s advantages: a stable operating environment, strong energy expertise, and the ability of local companies to collaborate.
Markku Kivistö, Industry Head at Business Finland, praised the region’s readiness to receive large projects: the attitude and cooperation are in place, and groundwork has been carefully done, reducing risks for investors.
Matti Heikkinen from GRK Infra stressed that Finland offers a favorable investment environment for investors: predictable markets, a reliable operating environment, and strong energy expertise. He emphasized the importance for companies to invest in language skills and the ability to operate under tight schedules.
Henriikka Skantz from Keski-Suomen Betonirakenne underlined the importance of international contract expertise in large projects. She pointed out that local companies also have good opportunities to take on roles in the operational phases of investments.
Toni Krankkala, CEO of NIHAK, summarized the vision of the clean transition: a hydrogen network will be built in the region, around which new chemical industry and industrial entities relying on clean energy will emerge. The core message of the Think Big event was that the projects benefit from proximity and cooperation. This is precisely what makes the region an attractive investment destination also in the future.
Together, these factors create a rare opportunity for investors: an ecosystem where new and established players support each other’s growth.
Text: Hanna Perkkiö
Photos: Saraeleni
