As the heaviest-emitting sectors of industry aim for lower carbon footprints, attention is increasingly turning to the hydrogen economy. Northern Power 2026, taking place in Oulu this February, brings together the companies and experts building practical pathways toward carbon-neutral steel, aviation, and shipping.
Nordic Hydrogen Week gathers hydrogen technology users and developers in Oulu from 10–12 February 2026. The three-day programme, examining the hydrogen economy from multiple angles, culminates in the Northern Power Business Forum at Oulu Music Centre, where the entire hydrogen value chain comes together to develop actionable pathways toward decarbonization.
This year, Northern Power’s programme focuses particularly on the off-takers of hydrogen in the steel industry, maritime sector, and aviation – all themes that hold unique opportunities from a Finnish perspective.
– Steel production, aviation, and shipping are all major sources of emissions – and each presents its own challenges for achieving carbon neutrality. Ultimately, success depends on how the hydrogen market develops. These are the questions we will be exploring in Oulu this February, says Janne Hietaniemi, Key Account Director for Cleantech and Industry at BusinessOulu.
– Oulu is an excellent location for hydrogen industry gatherings because the infrastructure and networks here are highly advanced. Discussions won’t remain theoretical – participants will have the chance to explore flagship projects through both case studies and site visits, he adds.
Green Steel from the Bay of Bothnia
Northern Power’s Green Steel theme invites reflection on how green steel production could significantly reduce industrial CO₂ emissions. The forum’s panel discussion includes representatives from Stegra, LKAB, Andritz, and Verso Energy.
Green steel also offers exciting opportunities for Nordic hydrogen economy:
– The Bay of Bothnia region is excellently positioned as green steel production ramps up. We have the necessary mineral resources, advanced technologies, and world-class research expertise – and the first production facilities are already under construction, Hietaniemi notes.
Transforming Aviation and Maritime by 2030
Decarbonization in aviation and shipping will be addressed through the Aviation and Maritime & Logistics sessions. Hydrogen and e-fuels offer promising alternatives to traditional fuels, though questions around infrastructure and availability remain.
In aviation, experts from IATA, Norwegian, EIT InnoEnergy, and Finavia will discuss the opportunities and challenges of hydrogen technologies in a sector facing stringent EU emission requirements by 2030. In maritime and logistics, specialists from Hy2Gen, Wärtsilä, and pioneering shipping companies will examine strategies for achieving carbon-neutral operations with hydrogen-based solutions.
Oulu is simultaneously strengthening its position as one of the Baltic Sea region’s key hubs for synthetic fuels.
– Projects by Oulu Energy, P2X Solutions, Verso Energy, Hy2Gen, ABO Energy, and Energiequelle make Oulu the largest synthetic fuel hub in the Baltic Sea region, based on the current number of hydrogen initiatives, Hietaniemi says.
Infrastructure development is also progressing rapidly:
– Gasgrid Finland is currently planning a hydrogen transmission network that will connect Oulu’s production capacity with other regions of Finland and further into Europe. The Nordic Hydrogen Route project, valued at €3–4 billion, will enable large-scale distribution of hydrogen, Hietaniemi continues.
Showcasing Nordic Flagship Projects
Northern Power 2026 will also highlight Nordic hydrogen flagship projects. Participants will hear the latest updates from the Nordic Hydrogen Route, get a behind-the-scenes look at Hycamite – a hydrogen startup born from research at the University of Oulu – and, in addition, explore solar-to-hydrogen production through photocatalysis, a cutting-edge method that generates hydrogen directly from sunlight without electricity.
Nordic Hydrogen Week 2026 takes place in Oulu from 10–12 February. The three-day programme includes the Northern Power Business Forum with its exhibition at Oulu Music Centre, the Hydrogen Research Day organized by the University of Oulu, and a broad field programme with site visits and receptions.
For more information and interview requests:
Janne Hietaniemi, Key Account Director for Cleantech and Industry at BusinessOulu
Phone: +358 40 649 1211 | Email: janne.hietaniemi@businessoulu.com
Minna Korpimies, Marketing & Communications Specialist
Phone: +358 50 387 7325 | Email: ext-minna.korpimies@messukeskus.com