Kaasukauppa

Kaasukauppa is a Finnish term that translates to "gas trade" or "gas market." It primarily refers to the trading and distribution of natural gas within Finland and its connection to the broader European gas market. Historically, Finland's natural gas supply has been largely dependent on imports, with Russia being a significant supplier for many years. The infrastructure for gas transport in Finland includes pipelines and terminals, facilitating the movement of gas to industrial consumers, power plants, and residential heating systems.

The Finnish gas market has undergone significant changes in recent years, particularly with the increasing focus on energy security and diversification of supply sources. This includes investments in liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure, such as the floating LNG terminal in Inkoo, which enhances the country's ability to import gas from various global suppliers. These developments aim to reduce reliance on a single source and ensure a stable gas supply for the Finnish economy and its citizens.

The regulatory framework for the gas market in Finland is designed to promote competition, ensure fair pricing, and maintain the security of supply. The Finnish Energy Authority (Energiavirasto) plays a key role in overseeing the market. Kaasukauppa also encompasses the network of companies involved in gas transmission, distribution, and sales, as well as the end-users who consume the gas. The future of Kaasukauppa is intertwined with Finland's broader energy transition goals, including the increasing role of renewable energy sources and the potential for hydrogen in the energy mix.