Finland and Germany sign statement of intent on hydrogen cooperation

Finland and Germany have signed a statement of intent on further cooperation on hydrogen infrastructure, hydrogen technology development and investments in the hydrogen sector. The statement was signed by Minister of Climate and the Environment Sari Multala and, on behalf of Germany, Minister of Economic Affairs and Energy Katherina Reiche in connection with the Ministerial Meeting of the International Energy Agency (IEA) in Paris on 18 February 2026.

The statement of intent contains a common view of Finland and Germany on energy cooperation concerning hydrogen infrastructure, hydrogen technology development and investments in the hydrogen sector. It also defines further measures and key themes. The document is a declaration of intent between the countries and does not bind the parties to concrete decision-making. As concerns more concrete initiatives or plans, the discussions will be held later and in a manner to be agreed separately.

Finland’s goal is to become the European leader in the hydrogen economy across the entire value chain. The objectives are the production of clean hydrogen and electrofuels for the needs of Finnish industry, transport and energy system, industrial renewal, growth in exports of high value added, and attracting investments to Finland. The aim is to establish a new industry based on hydrogen and its products in Finland, which will support the renewal of the manufacturing industry and transform the sector’s technology companies into internationally leading suppliers.

“The hydrogen economy will be a key tool for Finland in the energy transition of industry and in utilising the opportunities offered by the clean transition. It will be needed to reduce greenhouse gases, especially in sectors where direct electrification of the processes is not possible. Finland aims to account for 10 per cent of clean hydrogen production in the EU and for at least the same percentage of the further use of hydrogen,” says Minister Sari Multala.

“It is important that the common statement recognises Finland’s needs to ensure the higher value added of clean energy is used within the country. It will be a priority for Finland to develop local hydrogen valleys and construct national hydrogen infrastructure. The statement also recognises Finland’s target of developing a nationwide hydrogen market based on regional hydrogen valleys and the national infrastructure supporting them by 2035,” she adds. 

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

Another objective is to create favourable conditions for an efficient energy market for clean energy and related energy products in the Baltic Sea region as part of the EU’s internal market. Simultaneously, the statement acknowledges the opportunities offered by clean energy projects and, in particular, Finland’s significant potential in renewable energy production, Germany’s storage capacity and the strong industrial and technological base of both countries.

Inquiries:
Riku Huttunen, Director General, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 431 6518 Juuso Kilpinen, Special Adviser to the Minister of Climate and the Environment, tel. +358 50 322 9636
Juhani Tirkkonen, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 295 062 140
Anita Silanterä, Senior Specialist, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Permanent representation of Finland to the OECD, tel. +33 6 326 339 40