Hydrogen Economy Experts from 25 Countries Gather in Oulu
Nordic Hydrogen Week kicks off today in Oulu, bringing together key players in the hydrogen economy as well as technology developers and end users from 25 countries. Over the three-day event, solutions are showcased particularly for emissions reductions in the steel industry as well as in aviation and maritime transport. The event also features the unveiling of a commercial-scale hydrogen panel developed by the Finnish company Zun-H, advancing solar hydrogen production toward scalable industrial use.
Nordic Hydrogen Week begins on Tuesday, 10 February, with the University of Oulu’s Hydrogen Research Day, bringing together international researchers and industry representatives to discuss the latest research findings and future directions in the hydrogen economy.
On Wednesday, 11 February, the focus turns to the growth and development of northern hydrogen hubs, with site visits taking participants to hydrogen projects in Oulu and the Meri-Lappi region, among others. The strong interest in moving the hydrogen economy from theory to practical implementation was evident, as the visits filled up almost immediately after registration opened.
Nordic Hydrogen Week culminates on Thursday, 12 February, with the Northern Power Business Forum at the Oulu Music Centre, bringing together the entire hydrogen value chain. The programme focuses in particular on the steel industry as well as aviation and maritime transport—sectors whose transformation is critical to achieving Europe’s climate targets. Panels and discussions feature representatives from leading companies that view hydrogen as a concrete part of their future business, with solutions that play a significant role in market creation and scaling.
Solar hydrogen and synthetic fuels
One of the key announcements at Thursday’s Business Forum will be the commercial-scale hydrogen panel developed by Zun-H, a company originating from research at the University of Oulu and focused on solar hydrogen.
“The demo version represents a major step toward scalable solar hydrogen production,” says CEO Veera Tapionkaski.
“At the same time, it enables production to be piloted at a fit-for-purpose scale. The pilot project will begin later this year in the Canary Islands.”
The Green Steel theme of the Northern Power Business Forum focuses on the potential of green steel to reduce industrial CO₂ emissions. Panel discussions will feature perspectives from, among others, Stegra, Andritz and Verso Energy on when green steel will become truly competitive and what role hydrogen will play in scaling up production.
Emissions reductions in aviation and maritime transport are addressed in the Aviation and Maritime & Logistics sessions. Experts from organizations such as IATA, Boeing, Norwegian, Wärtsilä and Hy2Gen will take part. EU regulation already requires significant emissions reductions by 2030, accelerating the development of hydrogen and synthetic fuels in these sectors.
During the week, Nordic Hydrogen Week will also showcase several Nordic flagship projects in the hydrogen economy. The programme includes updates on the Nordic Hydrogen Route and an introduction to Hycamite, a company originating from research at the University of Oulu.
At Thursday’s Business Forum, a cooperation agreement will also be signed between the City of Oulu and Hy2Gen, strengthening their partnership in developing the Vihreäsaari port area. The parties are preparing the next steps to enable zoning work and to establish the conditions for future industrial-scale hydrogen production and the related port infrastructure.
For more information and interview requests:
Janne Hietaniemi, Key Account Director, Cleantech & Industry, BusinessOulu
Tel. +358 40 649 1211 | janne.hietaniemi@businessoulu.com
Minna Korpimies, Marketing & Communications Specialist
Tel. +358 50 387 7325 | ext-minna.korpimies@messukeskus.com
Nordic Hydrogen Week 2026 will be held in Oulu from 10 to 12 February 2026. The event programme includes the Northern Power Business Forum and exhibition at the Oulu Music Centre, the University of Oulu’s Hydrogen Research Day, as well as an extensive field programme with site visits and networking opportunities.
