🇫🇮 Finland and Germany issue joint declaration on hydrogen cooperation

The declaration presents the joint view of Finland and Germany on energy cooperation concerning hydrogen infrastructure, the development of hydrogen technology, and investments in the hydrogen sector, and defines further actions and key areas. The document is a declaration of intent between the two countries and does not bind the parties to any specific decisions. More concrete initiatives or wishes will be discussed later and agreed upon separately.

Finland aims to be a European leader in the hydrogen economy throughout the entire value chain. The objectives are the production of clean hydrogen and electric fuels for the needs of domestic industry, transport and the energy system, the renewal of industry and the growth of high-value-added export business, as well as securing investments in Finland. The aim is to grow a new industry in Finland based on hydrogen and hydrogen-based products, which will support the renewal of the manufacturing industry and grow the sector’s technology companies into internationally leading suppliers.

“The hydrogen economy is a key tool for Finland in the energy transition of industry and in exploiting the opportunities offered by the clean transition. It is needed to reduce greenhouse gases, especially in sectors where direct electrification of processes is not possible. Finland aims to account for 10 percent of the EU’s clean hydrogen production and at least the same share of hydrogen’s further use,” says minister Sari Multala.

“It is important that the joint declaration recognises Finland’s need to ensure the use of higher added value from clean energy within the country. Finland prioritises the development of local hydrogen valleys and the construction of a national hydrogen infrastructure. Similarly, Finland’s national goal of developing a nationwide hydrogen market by 2035, based on regional hydrogen valleys and supporting national infrastructure, is also recognised,” the minister emphasises.

According to the declaration, the countries will strengthen economic frameworks that encourage direct investment in clean energy production, decarbonization of industry and other energy-intensive end-use sectors, and further processing of hydrogen into other energy products, such as renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBO).

Another goal is to create favourable conditions in the Baltic Sea region for an efficient energy market for clean energy and related energy products as part of the EU internal market. At the same time, the opportunities offered by the development of clean energy are recognised, in particular Finland’s significant renewable energy production potential and Germany’s storage capacity, as well as the strong industrial and technological base of both countries.

Originally published on 18 February 2026 by both2nia.