Finland and Germany have signed a statement of intent to deepen bilateral cooperation on hydrogen infrastructure, technology development and investments, during the Ministerial Meeting of the International Energy Agency (IEA) held in Paris.

The document was signed by Finland’s Minister of Climate and the Environment, Sari Multala, and Germany’s Minister of Economic Affairs and Energy, Katherina Reiche, establishing a shared framework to advance the development of clean hydrogen as a key pillar of Europe’s energy transition and industrial decarbonisation.

The statement outlines a common vision for cooperation in hydrogen infrastructure, technology development and investment promotion, while setting out key priorities and future actions. Although not legally binding, it provides a strategic foundation for further initiatives and concrete projects to be defined through subsequent agreements.

Finland aims to lead Europe’s hydrogen economy

Finland’s strategic objective is to become Europe’s leading hydrogen economy across the entire value chain, boosting the production of clean hydrogen and electrofuels for industrial, transport and energy system applications. The strategy also seeks to drive industrial renewal, expand high-value exports and attract large-scale investments.

“The hydrogen economy will be a key instrument for Finland in the energy transition of industry and in harnessing the opportunities of the clean transition,” said Minister Multala. Finland aims to account for 10% of the EU’s clean hydrogen production, as well as a similar share of hydrogen end-use.

The country is also prioritising the development of regional hydrogen valleys, supported by national infrastructure, with the goal of establishing a fully integrated hydrogen market by 2035.

Boosting investment and Baltic energy markets

The agreement further seeks to strengthen the economic framework to encourage direct investment in clean energy production, industrial decarbonisation and hydrogen-derived energy products, such as renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBOs).

In parallel, Finland and Germany aim to create favourable conditions for a competitive and efficient clean energy market in the Baltic Sea region, integrated within the EU internal energy market. The statement highlights Finland’s strong renewable energy potential, Germany’s energy storage capacity, and the robust industrial and technological bases of both countries.

With this strategic partnership, Helsinki and Berlin reinforce their leadership in Europe’s hydrogen transition, underscoring cross-border cooperation as a key driver for accelerating decarbonisation and achieving climate neutrality.