FINLAND Trends and Developments Contributed by: Kari Marttinen, Laura Leino, Outi Iso-Markku and Tuuli Pohjonen, Erottaja Attorneys Ltd
ity in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act. At the time of writing, the case-by-case method of evaluation has proven insufficient in terms of effi- ciency and consistency in decision-making, as the assessment of EoW status is often technical in nature and requires specialised expertise in decision-making. To address this issue, a draft proposal on amending the Waste Act and Environmental Protection Act was out forward in November 2024 and the new procedure for EoW assessment is planned to take effect in 2026. According to the draft proposal, a separate procedure will be established for the assessment of EoW status. The aim of the new procedure is to promote the usage of secondary raw materials through efficient, predict- able and equal decision-making that is safe for health and the environment. The introduced procedure shall more effectively ensure transparency and accessibil- ity. However, the possibility of granting EoW status in connection with the environmental permitting process is also proposed to remain. Advancing climate goals through green technologies The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment of Finland is currently updating the national Energy and Climate Strategy. The draft for the strategy promotes the transition to clean energy by aiming to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035 while ensuring a secure, competitive and sustainable energy system. It pro- motes renewable energy, energy efficiency, hydrogen economy and emission reductions across all sectors.
The objective of building a national hydrogen infra- structure by 2035 has been included in the strategy. The Finnish government is committed to turning Fin- land into a leading hydrogen producer in the EU. Fin- land has multiple advantages in this field, including its large renewables production capacity and strong energy systems. A clear objective of Finland is to account for 10% of the EU’s clean hydrogen produc- tion and at least 10% of hydrogen use. This has been laid out in the government programme. A range of hydrogen initiatives are being built, designed, or evaluated in Finland. The Confedera- tion of Finnish Industries and the H2Cluster Finland have listed around 60 clean hydrogen projects whose status vary from being under feasible study to con- struction and commissioning. In addition, an exten- sive hydrogen transmission network, playing a crucial part as Finland’s hydrogen backbone, is currently in the EIA phase. The project is being supported by the EU as well. In parallel, Finland’s battery industry is expanding under the National Battery Strategy 2025 and Finland promotes the development of the EU battery strategy in line with the principles of circular economy and sus- tainability. The strategy promotes sustainable growth, circular economy practices, and international com- petitiveness. Several battery material plants are under development in the permitting phase.
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