Seminar on the Acceptability of Green Transition Investments brought together nearly 300 participants for a multi-faceted discussion

The event on May 7, 2026 – organized by Akordi, Confederation of Finnish Industries, Finnish Energy, University of Eastern Finland, Association of Finnish Cities and Municipalities, Sitra, and Renewables Finland – provided current perspectives and research findings, as well as practical experiences and lessons learned on strengthening the acceptability of the green transition.

Jonna Kangasoja (Akordi) and Outi Haanperä (Sitra) opened the event, after which Lasse Peltonen (UEF) presented brand-new research findings on the challenges, concerns, and acceptability of wind and solar power projects, based on a survey of project developers.

Matias Ollila (Renewables Finland), Vesa Peltola (Association of Finnish Cities and Municipalities), and Jenni Hunnakko (The Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners) presented comments from the energy sector, municipalities, and landowners on the study’s findings, and highlighted the challenges and strengths of the Finnish operating environment. The discussion was moderated by Annina Alasaari (Finnish Energy).

Jonna Kangasoja, Juha-Pekka Turunen, and Thomas Banafa from Akordi, along with Angelique Irjala (Business Kristinestad), Melina Laine (Helen), and Janne Ristolainen (Fortum), shared their experiences and lessons learned on strengthening early-stage interaction through current case examples.

At the end of the event, in a panel discussion moderated by Minna Ojanperä (EK), Angelique Irjala (Business Kristinestad), Kirsi Koivunen (Gasgrid), Harri Leppänen (Finnish Steel and Metal Producers), Sari Myllyoja (Finnish Supervisory Agency), and Tapani Veistola (Finnish Association for Nature Conservation) discussed how the green transition can be promoted by strengthening its acceptability, and what the current situation looks like across the field.

A big thank you to all participants and speakers for the fruitful discussions!

A recording of the livestream is available: