Finland and Australia to cooperate more closely in carbon neutral solutions
Finland and the Australian state of New South Wales will strengthen their cooperation to promote carbon neutrality and to develop solutions advancing it. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the matter was presented at an event in Australia on 30 October 2023. Finland was represented by Ambassador Satu Mattila-Budich.
The MoU aims to promote cooperation between administrations, companies and research institutes on batteries and the hydrogen economy, in particular. Developing hydrogen trade, renewable energy and other climate solutions is a priority for both governments.
“Introducing clean energy technologies globally is crucial so that we can achieve the zero emission target for greenhouse gases and ensure energy security at the same time. We aim to accelerate the development of clean energy together with New South Wales,” says Riku Huttunen, Director General at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment.
“This MoU offers an excellent opportunity to strengthen cooperation with Australia concerning clean energy and hydrogen. I am confident that Finland can provide effective solutions for mining, electrofuel production and use and energy analysis, which could be tested and demonstrated in New South Wales. Integration of renewable energy sources, energy transmission networks and technologies, and energy storage are also interesting themes.” Huttunen adds.
“Finland has made significant investments in clean energy solutions and carbon neutrality. We are also phasing out fossil energy faster because of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. By introducing new clean energy solutions, such as hydrogen, we can promote sustainable energy systems, reduce emissions and dependence on fossil energy producers, and increase price stability,” Huttunen says.
The MoU supports the exchange of information and cooperation between the governments of Finland and New South Wales in research and innovation, policy and programme planning, as well as trade, investment and technology transfer.
The foundation of Finnish-Australian cooperation in the hydrogen sector was laid during a Team Finland visit to Australia in 2022, in which ministers and Finnish energy technology and cleantech companies participated.
Green transition to boost trade between Finland and Australia
Bilateral relations between Finland and Australia are good and the countries agree on many issues. Australia is Finland’s sixth largest export market outside Europe. Finland exports machinery, transport equipment and paper to Australia. Nearly 50 Finnish companies have operations in Australia, and about 200 Finnish companies operate there through representatives.
Located in south-eastern Australia with a size of ca. 809,000 square kilometres, New South Wales has a population of 7.5 million people. Sydney is the state capital. New South Wales has extensive natural resources, especially minerals and metals. Coal has traditionally been the main source of energy, but the use of solar, wind and bioenergy has increased considerably in recent years.
Inquiries:
Riku Huttunen, Director General, Ministery of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 50 431 6518
Juho Korteniemi, Deputy Director General, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 50 567 0715
