National implementation of EU Net-Zero Industry Act
Net-zero industry covers technologies, equipment and components needed to produce affordable carbon neutral energy. Examples include renewable energy technologies and battery technologies. The European Union aims to make the EU a hub for net-zero technologies and strengthen domestic production capacity. To achieve this, the EU's Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA) entered into force in June 2024.
The Act seeks to ensure a secure and sustainable supply of net-zero technologies in the EU by boosting manufacturing capacity and supply chains. Manufacturing projects for net-zero technologies can apply for net-zero strategic project status. The Act covers around 20 net-zero technologies.
Strategic projects are given priority and they benefit from shorter permitting deadlines to speed up implementation. The new deadlines have applied since Finland established a national single point of contact in 2025.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment set up an official working group to support the national implementation of the Net-Zero Industry Act for the period from 1 July 2024 to 31 December 2025.
Finland’s single point of contact for net-zero projects
The national single point of contact for net-zero projects is the Finnish Supervisory Authority. It provides guidance and advice for net-zero projects, coordinates permitting procedures and monitors compliance with permitting deadlines.
Project promoters can apply for strategic status through the EU’s common application system. The European Commission checks that applications meet formal requirements before forwarding them to the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, which decides whether to grant the status of net-zero strategic project.
