Mika Nykänen, State Secretary to the Minister of Climate and the Environment, represented Finland at the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM16) and Mission Innovation (MI-10) meetings in Busan, South Korea, held from 25 to 27 August.
Finland joined over 30 participating countries to discuss energy innovation, low-carbon systems, and equitable transitions. Delegates reviewed technology pathways and launched a joint declaration on sustainable lifestyles.
“Finland is strongly committed to the objectives of these important global forums,” Mika Nykänen said during the opening session on 26 August. “Together with the Mission Innovation initiative, CEM provides essential tools to address the challenges of a changing energy system. Clean energy is central to both economic growth and climate action.”
Nykänen said Finland’s energy and climate goals align closely with many workstreams discussed at the meetings. These include electrification, hydrogen production, industrial decarbonisation, artificial intelligence, and expanded use of renewable energy.
According to Nykänen, Finland aims to become carbon neutral by 2035. Carbon-neutral energy already accounts for 95% of national electricity generation. Roughly half comes from renewable sources, and coal use has declined to almost zero.
He also cited Finland’s interest in small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) for district heating and industrial heat applications. Finland is currently the only country operating a permanent repository for nuclear waste.
“Finland emphasizes a market-based and technology-neutral approach in its energy policy,” Nykänen said. “It is also crucial that the transition is inclusive.”
He added that Finnish industry has worked in partnership with the state to draw up low-carbon roadmaps. These plans have helped identify sector-specific needs during the transition. Voluntary energy efficiency agreements have also been adopted to support national energy savings.
Sari Multala, Minister of Climate and the Environment, commented on the joint declaration launched during the summit, which called for a global commitment to sustainable living and equitable clean energy access. The declaration highlights the role of governments in creating conditions for inclusive transitions that involve vulnerable groups, youth, and women.
“Sustainable societies and fair access to clean energy are key cornerstones of the energy transition,” Multala said. “Governments must commit to this goal, implement effective policy measures, and create the conditions that enable businesses, municipalities, communities, and individuals to meaningfully participate in a just, inclusive, and human-centred transition.”
CEM and MI represent a collective effort by governments to accelerate global clean energy development. The CEM, initiated in 2010 and joined by Finland in 2012, involves G20 members and several others. These countries account for 90% of the world’s clean energy capacity and 80% of global investment in the sector.
Mission Innovation was established during the 2015 Paris climate talks. Its purpose is to scale innovation in climate-friendly energy technologies. Member governments, including the European Commission and 23 countries, represent over 90% of global public investment in clean energy R&D.
Finland joined MI in 2016. Since then, it has worked through both national policies and international cooperation to support innovation in affordable, low-emission energy systems.
The Busan meetings aimed to advance shared goals, coordinate research, and build consensus on the next phase of implementation. Member countries selected focus areas based on national priorities, with several agreeing to extend their engagement in energy storage, clean fuels, and carbon capture projects.
New initiatives were announced to support hydrogen supply chains, smart grid deployment, and next-generation nuclear energy. A series of technical workshops and ministerial-level exchanges addressed market design, regulatory reforms, and public-private investment models.
Participants also held side meetings on data sharing, joint funding mechanisms, and skills development for the clean energy workforce. Several governments presented case studies of domestic policy frameworks and energy system reforms.
The meetings closed with a summary of actions and a reaffirmed commitment to the goals of the Paris Agreement. Officials from participating countries are expected to report progress at the next round of talks in 2026.
HT