Hydrogen Summit & Expo 2026 Reflected Broad Interest in the Energy Transition

The Hydrogen Summit & Expo, held in Tampere on 14–15 January 2026, brought together key players from across the entire hydrogen value chain. The event gathered industry actors, experts, decision-makers, and investors at Tampere Sports & Expo. In addition to Finnish decision-makers, the event attracted a wide range of international speakers as well as numerous guests and visitors from outside Finland.

This year, the Hydrogen Summit & Expo grew significantly compared to the previous edition, bringing more than 2,000 hydrogen value chain stakeholders to Tampere. The programme featured over 80 speakers, and particularly notable was the strong and growing presence of international participants compared to 2025. The event’s growth reflects the strengthening interest in the hydrogen economy in Finland and across Europe more broadly.

"The atmosphere at the summit was energetic and highly collaborative, bringing together the right mix of industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers. As a main partner, we were proud of the strong interest towards the event and towards our electricity and project expertise. We had many valuable discussions with other key players and stakeholders in the field. Events like this truly remind us that progress in the energy transition is built through shared effort", says Satu Sipola, VP of Hydrogen and Project Development at Fortum

Finland’s Strong Role in the Hydrogen Economy Reinforced

Based on the speeches and discussions held in Tampere, Finland has strong preconditions for the growth of the hydrogen economy. Electricity in Finland is competitively priced, the share of renewable generation is significant, and the power grid is extensive and continuously developing. Efficient logistics, a skilled workforce, and investments in research and development are also key factors supporting Finland’s future role as a leader in the hydrogen economy.

In her address, Finland’s Minister of the Environment and Climate, Sari Multala, highlighted Finland’s position in future energy markets. Meanwhile, Minister of Economic Affairs Sakari Puisto outlined key reasons to invest in Finland and the measures the government is prepared to take to ensure that international financing is directed to the country.

Advancing the Hydrogen Economy Requires Close Cross-Sector and Cross-Border Cooperation

At Hydrogen Summit & Expo 2026, international cooperation and the development of hydrogen infrastructure were recurring themes in several speeches and discussions. Particular attention was given to the Nordic-Baltic Hydrogen Corridor (NBHC) project, which aims to build a hydrogen transmission corridor from Finland through the Baltic States and Poland to Germany.

Although many details of the project are still open, the discussions revealed a shared direction and a common understanding of its importance. If realized, the hydrogen pipeline would strengthen Europe’s energy self-sufficiency and security of supply. Progress on the pipeline project was seen as a key step in the development of the European hydrogen economy as a whole.

The pipeline initiative is also viewed as a concrete demonstration of collaboration, connecting hydrogen producers and industrial users across national borders and creating conditions for large-scale investments.

Hydrogen as a Solution to Industry’s Most Challenging Emissions

Hydrogen Summit & Expo 2026 highlighted the role of hydrogen in the green transition, particularly in industrial sectors where emissions reductions are most challenging. The focus extends beyond transport to solutions that can replace fossil fuels in oil refining, steel production, and other energy-intensive processes.

Looking Ahead to 2027 and Beyond

Hydrogen Summit & Expo 2026 demonstrated that the hydrogen economy is no longer just a promise of the future, but a rapidly evolving part of the global energy system and industrial transformation. The discussions and connections formed in Tampere laid the groundwork for long-term projects whose impacts extend beyond individual initiatives and will shape the energy system and ways of thinking far into the future.

The next Hydrogen Summit & Expo will take place on 20–21 January 2027 at Tampere Sports & Expo.