A significant energy sector conference, Future Energy Solutions, was held in Lappeenranta on September 10-11 2024, focusing on accelerating the green transition. Held for the third time, the conference brought together industry experts, researchers, and company representatives to discuss sustainable energy solutions and promote green transition and growth. There were a total of 200 participants present. The diverse program offered participants the opportunity to network and exchange ideas on current topics with other experts. The event facilitated the meeting of research and business, allowing companies in the sector to explore common business opportunities.
Keynote speakers from the Finnish Energy, European Commission, and Confederation of Finnish Industries
The conference themes included renewable energy sources, the hydrogen economy and its opportunities, energy markets, energy efficiency, data solutions, future electric work machines, and electric transportation. Nearly 30 experts, researchers, and company representatives addressed these topics. In their welcoming remarks, Ding Ma, Director of Vitality for the City of Lappeenranta, and Janne Hokkanen, Strategy Director at LUT University, emphasized the importance of collaboration among industry players, exemplified by the actively operating Greenreality Network in South Karelia, and the solutions generated from the cooperation between local companies and LUT University.
Keynote speeches included thoughts from Jukka Leskelä, CEO of the Finnish Energy, on the sustainability requirements of Finland’s energy system and the role of hydrogen in the economy. Eero Ailio, Deputy Head of Unit at the European Union, presented the complexity of EU energy regulation, its current state and future, and the impact of regulation on sustainability. Kati Ruohomäki, Chief Policy Adviser of the Confederation of Finnish Industries, discussed in her speech how green growth can be most effectively accelerated – through sanctions or incentives.
The first day’s sessions on renewable energy solutions featured representatives from solar and wind energy companies discussing, among other things, combinations of wind and solar energy and the utilization of human-modified areas in solar power. The green hydrogen session covered topics such as hydrogen and carbon value chains in green electrification, renewable energy sources and the hydrogen economy, Power to X technology, new digital collaboration forms related to P2X investments, and local conditions for the technology’s success in Lappeenranta.
The second day’s program began with themes of energy markets and energy efficiency, addressing topics such as industrial energy efficiency and the utilization of waste heat from renewable hydrogen production in district heating networks. The day also featured discussions on future electrified work machines and the prospects for electrification of transportation. The conference concluded with a discussion on Finland’s competitiveness in the hydrogen economy and strategies for an electrified future.
Networking among industry experts and companies as a key part of the event
The conference’s exhibition area provided participants with networking opportunities, where companies and other organizations in the sector showcased their solutions and services at 27 exhibition points.
Participants also had the chance to network during the evening program on the first day of the conference, which offered an opportunity to explore Lappeenranta’s attractions on a guided walking tour. The tour led through the city center to the harbor and fortress. At the fortress, participants gathered at the Green Warehouse to enjoy an evening snack and network.
The conference was a success, offering participants valuable insights and new contacts. The organizers thank all participants and partners for a successful event.
The next event to be held on September 9-10, 2025 – a more diverse event experience coming up
Future Energy Solutions will be held annually, with the aim of establishing the second week of September as the regular time for the event. The next event will tale place on September 9-10, 2025.
The goal is to increase the number of participants, diversify the program, and transform the nature of the event from a conference to a broader program. The exhibition area for companies is also intended to be expanded, and more opportunities for networking will be created. The main venue for the event will still be the Lappeenranta City Hall, with the Lappeenranta Hall accommodating 600 participants. All those interested in the topic are warmly welcomed to Lappeenranta next autumn.
– Based on the constructive suggestions we received regarding the structure and content of this year’s conference, we are excited to develop the event further, says Noora Hakkarainen, Development Manager for the City of Lappeenranta.
– We also hope to include partners to support the growth of the event and to brainstorm its content.
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