The Åland Islands, located between Sweden and Finland, have abundant offshore wind potential but face limitations in tapping these resources due to a lack of infrastructure connecting production to wider markets. At the same time, Europe’s energy transition demands new integrated solutions that ensure both energy security and decarbonisation, while respecting local environmental and social needs. To unlock Åland’s renewable potential sustainably and meaningfully contribute to European energy goals, a comprehensive and locally anchored approach is needed.

To address this opportunity, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), Flexens, and Lhyfe have formed a partnership to launch the Åland Energy Island project. The project will combine gigawatt-scale offshore wind energy production with large-scale green hydrogen generation, creating a fully integrated energy system based on renewable resources.

The hydrogen produced will serve both local needs on Åland and demand in the wider European region. Flexens brings detailed local knowledge from its work on the Smart Energy Åland initiative, ensuring the project aligns closely with Åland’s societal and environmental priorities. Lhyfe contributes operational experience from Europe’s first offshore hydrogen production pilot and ongoing onshore and offshore projects across the continent. CIP provides international investment expertise and a proven track record in offshore wind and green infrastructure projects globally.

The project will be developed in close dialogue with Åland’s local government, communities, and other stakeholders to maximise social, environmental, and economic benefits for the island. Local employment opportunities, infrastructure development, and the promotion of a knowledge hub for offshore energy technologies are key elements of the consortium’s strategy.

The Åland Energy Island project will transform Åland into a regional hub for renewable energy innovation. By combining offshore wind and green hydrogen production, the project supports Åland’s ambition to become a society based entirely on green energy. It will also contribute to the EU’s broader targets for energy independence and climate neutrality.

In practical terms, Åland’s untapped wind resources will be harnessed to produce clean hydrogen, providing a flexible and storable energy source that can decarbonise sectors such as transport and industry across the Baltic Sea region and beyond. The project will reinforce Åland’s role in the green transition, creating local value through new jobs, skills development, and integration of renewable energy into the island’s economy – all while preserving the onshore and marine environment.