Returning to Vaasa: Where the Energy Transition Comes Alive

When I stepped off the ferry in Vaasa this August for my second Wasa Future Festival, I wasn't just returning to a city—I was returning to a movement.

Aurington Lapsi means "Children of the Sun Statue," or Solens Barn in Swedish. Photo: Lars Ling

The festival, held from August 11-16, brought together experts, innovators, and decision-makers from across the Nordics and beyond to develop concrete solutions in technology, education, and sustainable energy at the University of Vaasa. But what struck me most wasn't just the impressive lineup of ministers, researchers, and industry leaders. It was the palpable sense that here, in this coastal Finnish city, the energy transition isn't a distant aspiration—it's happening now.

The Energy Transition Valley workshop demonstrated how Vaasa is positioning itself at the heart of what industry leaders are calling "the energy super cycle," according to the University of Vaasa. As I listened to Petri Kärki from Hitachi Energy explain why his company chose to connect with universities, research institutes, and startups, one thing became clear: this is where collaboration becomes a commercial reality—University of Vaasa.

What makes Wasa Future Festival unique is its relentless focus on solutions over speeches. The week featured crucial discussions on how Finland can strengthen its position as an international investment destination, with Minister Joakim Strand emphasizing that even small public investments can help steer global companies' R&D activities to the University of Vaasa.

These weren't theoretical debates—they were strategic conversations that matter to anyone investing in the clean energy future.

For energy transition professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs, Vaasa offers something rare: a living laboratory where new electricity challenges from data centers and hydrogen production are being solved through simulations, emulations, and university-industry collaboration at the University of Vaasa.

The region isn't just talking about the energy transition—it's building the infrastructure, testing the technologies, and creating the business models that will power our sustainable future.

My second visit confirmed what I suspected the first time: if you want to understand where the energy transition is heading, you need to experience Vaasa. See you there next August 2026.

Enjoy some photos from my morning and evening walks.

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