Added Value from Sustainable Energy Business – With Support from STEK, EU Funding Secured for University of Oulu Project

Thanks to funding from the Centre for the Promotion of Electrical Engineering and Energy Efficiency (STEK), the University of Oulu Kerttu Saalasti Institute was able to prepare a project themed "Added Value from Sustainable Energy Business", which has now secured EU funding. The project will officially launch in spring 2025.

"Finland has excellent potential to drive the green transition and the industries that stem from it. However, the growing development of wind power, new investments based on the use of emission-free electricity, and the increase in mining activity have raised concerns about whether the added value remains in Finland and in local communities," says Dr. Mari Tuomaala from 3E Energy Ltd, who served as an expert in the project preparation phase.

According to Tuomaala, understanding the mechanisms behind how added value is created is essential for guiding Finland strategically in the right direction.

Funding Granted by the Regional Cooperation Group of Northern Ostrobothnia

Prepared in collaboration with a broad network of stakeholders, the project has received significant funding from the regional cooperation group of Northern Ostrobothnia in its April 2025 meeting. Led by the University of Oulu Kerttu Saalasti Institute, the project’s main objective is to ensure that green transition investments take root in the region’s ecosystems in a way that generates added value and new growth-oriented business.

“This project promotes more sustainable energy production and economy. Connecting global value chains with local entrepreneurship is a key means of achieving regional competitiveness, employment, and sustainable economic growth. The goal is to create a knowledge base, operational models, and tools that support the optimization of green transition value chains and foster regional, national, and international cooperation. In addition, the project will lay the foundation for continued and expanding activities," says Professor Matti Muhos, Director of the Kerttu Saalasti Institute.

Preparation Funding Enabled a Successful Application

STEK (the Centre for the Promotion of Electrical Engineering and Energy Efficiency) funds the renewal of the electricity and energy sector, the acceleration of the energy transition, and actions aimed at creating a zero-emission, efficient, and safe energy system.
“We saw the University of Oulu’s project idea as highly relevant and with strong potential impact. That’s why we decided to fund the preparatory phase in the summer of 2024,” says Tapio Koivu, CEO of STEK.

The project received €15,000 in preparatory funding.

"During autumn 2024, we were able to contribute to the content of the plan through discussions and feedback. The positive response from the EU funding authority to this significant project is truly encouraging. Cooperation between STEK and the University of Oulu will continue,” Koivu adds.

STEK will also participate as a stakeholder representative and co-funder in the upcoming EU structural funding project, which has a total budget of €900,000. Other project partners include the City of Oulu, Raahe Region Development, Haapavesi–Siikalatva Region, the Cities of Nivala and Haapajärvi, and the Municipality of Vaala.

“Collaboration and meaningful dialogue with various actors will be key to the project’s success,” Koivu emphasizes.

“Stakeholders provide the project team with concrete, practical examples. Since the theme is of wide interest to different parties, it’s advisable to keep communication active—even when the results are still in progress,” Mari Tuomaala encourages future project staff.