Team Renewable Arctic Finland, an innovation ecosystem of 22 Finnish companies, was founded at the beginning of 2021. The companies operate internationally or in the Baltic Sea region in the maritime industry, shipping operations, energy production, and in the offshore and infrastructure sectors.
“All the companies in the ecosystem are united by the desire to jointly develop competitive overall solutions for the international offshore wind power market”, says the ecosystem’s project manager Pekka Pokela from Gaia. The consortium supports the global transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. “The energy revolution is progressing inexorably, and with Finnish know-how it will be possible to influence emissions globally.”
The idea of cooperation was born in active discussions with companies in the field. “Developing sustainable business and management consulting on a strategic, tactical and operational level is our core competence,” states Pokela. “For us, our value base and the starting point of everything is to promote business that makes the world cleaner and safer.”
One of the companies in the consortium is Finnish offshore wind power pioneer Suomen Hyötytuuli Oy. The company built the country’s first offshore wind farm in Tahkoluoto, in Pori, in 2010. Corporate cooperation creates credibility in competition with international corporate giants.
“For the first wind farm, i.e. the so-called demo project, in 2016 the Finns did not succeed in the tender because the companies are too small alone and are not used to doing such large projects, especially together,” says Toni Sulameri, CEO of Hyötytuuli. The industry needs a functioning ecosystem. “No one builds or finances these projects alone.”
Finnish solutions are of interest worldwide
In addition to diversity, Team Renewable Arctic Finland’s strength is its technological and Arctic know-how. According to Pokela, Finnish companies have an excellent reputation for managing cold conditions. “Nearly 90 percent of Finland’s exports and imports go by sea, even though all our ports freeze in winter. Winter shipping must be controlled or our entire national economy will come to a standstill.”
During the first year, Gaia has, among other things, gathered market information on projects, companies and competing solutions related to offshore wind power. Concept development groups have been assembled from the companies of the ecosystem, which have come up with new product and service models for international companies. “We have been able to sit at the same table with international companies to present Finnish know-how and promising new ideas,” says Pokela.
A strong spirit of joint development and trust that working together is rewarding and worthwhile has been born into the ecosystem. “We have already succeeded in creating working concepts that international companies are interested in,” says Pokela. Piloting the ecosystem of more than 20 companies will continue to require the courage to make decisions actively. “We are well on our way, and we are not going to rest on our laurels in the future!”
Wind farms create green jobs
During the first year, Gaia has organized several workshops and seminars in Finland. The events discuss the possibilities of offshore wind power and the conditions for its development with a wide range of stakeholders and also with political decision-makers.
“Offshore wind power is not only related to Finland’s energy and climate policy, but it offers significant international business and export opportunities,” Pokela emphasizes. It is about investments of tens of billions of euros in the Baltic Sea region. “One offshore wind farm can involve the construction and maintenance of 100 turbines, which creates a lot of new green jobs.”
The members of the business ecosystem have been satisfied with the results of the cooperation. “The ecosystem has increased general knowledge about offshore wind power, and the state administration has also begun to understand what this business is all about and what it can produce for Finland,” says Toni Sulameri.
The most important goal in 2022 is to get closer to international customers also by traveling to events and bilateral meetings. “Companies are already looking forward to setting foot on international fields and business delegation visits after the pandemic,” says Pokela.
Team Renewable Arctic Finland, an innovation ecosystem of 22 Finnish companies, was founded at the beginning of 2021. The companies operate internationally or in the Baltic Sea region in the maritime industry, shipping operations, energy production, and in the offshore and infrastructure sectors.
Goals
To jointly develop competitive overall solutions for the international offshore wind power market
Our Role
Sustainable business development and management consulting on a strategic, tactical and operational level
Results
Access to the same table with international companies to present Finnish know-how and promising new ideas
