Oulun Energia Group’s role in the green transition became increasingly clear
2024 saw a rapid pace of change in the operating environment of the energy and circular economy industry. The change in the operating environment is due to the ambitious climate targets set by the EU and Finland, which require the energy and circular economy industry to reduce its emissions and rapidly reform the energy system.
Regulation concerning the industry is increasing, and the needs of our customers are also rapidly changing. To address this, we initiated a strategic planning process in spring 2024 and conducted change negotiations with our employees.
The year brought significant changes and even periods of uncertainty. However, I am proud that, together with our employees, we were able to swiftly recognise the challenges in our operating environment and transformed them into opportunities. In the autumn, we introduced our ambitious growth strategy and our renewed organisation, designed to best support the realisation of our goals. At the core of our new strategy is seeking strong growth from the green transition.
Oulun Energia aims to lead by example, driving the transition to a more sustainable energy system that reduces carbon dioxide emissions from energy production. In 2024, we maintained strong investments in renewable electricity production and the electrification of district heating. We also actively pursued new growth opportunities and projects of even national significance. We are designing an industrial-scale hydrogen production plant in Laanila, Oulu. Another groundbreaking project is underway at our subsidiary, Syklo, where construction has begun on Finland’s largest plastics recycling plant and a biocomposite plant in Hyvinkää.
We are living in uncertain times regarding the security environment. As a critical operator for security of supply, it is essential for us to invest adequately in security and resilience planning. We already uphold a strong level of security and resilience planning, and its primary focus must be on proactive measures.
The energy and circular economy industry is now facing one of its most interesting challenges in decades—if not ever. We have the opportunity to shape history by creating an energy and circular economy system that future generations can be proud of.
I would like to thank our customers for their trust in us, as well as our owner, the City of Oulu, our numerous local suppliers, and especially our dedicated and professional employees for an eventful year in 2024.
Arto Sutinen
CEO