28.9.2022

The time for the green transition is now

For months now, the energy crisis has been a part of the everyday life in Europe. Everybody is talking about heating costs, the rise in the price of liquid fuel and the dramatic increase in the price of electricity. As a result, the energy industry has finally attracted the attention it has longed for – but not in the way it had hoped. Even though the price is currently painfully high, in the big picture, that is a minor issue.

For a long time now, the green transition and emissions reduction have been on the agenda of the European Union, but there have been no tangible solutions. Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine pushed the EU to find quick and large-scale solutions for withdrawing from Russian fossil energy. In the spring, the EU adopted several new regulations as part of the RePower EU plan, and the work is still ongoing. The great challenge is to find a model that will work for all parties in the value chain, which requires an in-depth understanding of the industry.

The green transition is also supported in Finland: earlier this month, the government made a decision to support investments that increase our self-sufficiency and reduce our dependency on fossil energy.

The energy market has changed permanently, and there is no going back. This is an ideal time for new investments as the demand for innovations and solutions supporting the green transition has never been higher. Anything that promotes zero-emission and supports energy self-sufficiency is now desirable and valuable.

The energy crisis has taught us two things: we cannot afford to postpone the green transition any further and the transition must be made by promoting self-sufficiency. We now expect the decision makers to have the courage to make major decisions and the determination to reform the regulation on the energy sector. At the same time, we also expect them to account for our particular national characteristics and the entire value chain and understand how their decisions impact on all of us.

Latest references

Castrén & Snellman is acting as the legal advisor to the City of Pori in its sale of a 49% stake in Pori Energia to Polhem Infra. Pori Energia, a multi-utility company, operates in various sectors including district heating, electricity distribution, and electricity generation through CHP and renewable sources. The company also provides wind power services and industrial energy solutions in the Satakunta region. This strategic partnership between the City of Pori and Polhem Infra aims to enhance Pori Energia’s financial stability and investment capabilities, enabling the company to further its efforts in the energy transition and continue delivering high-quality energy services to its customers. Polhem Infra, owned by Swedish state pension funds, focuses on investments in critical infrastructure, including renewable electricity generation, energy storage, energy distribution, digital infrastructure, and transport infrastructure. The transaction values Pori Energia at EUR 905 million. 
Case published 31.1.2025
We successfully represented a Finnish manufacturing company in arbitration proceedings under the SCC rules against a global construction company. The dispute was governed by Finnish law and the seat of arbitration was Stockholm, Sweden. The dispute mainly concerned the termination of an erection contract and the right to compensation for delays of the project and for cost increases due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The main questions in dispute were the lawfulness of the termination of the erection contract as well as the consequences of the termination such as the right to costs to complete the project after termination, the right to liquidated damages for delay of the project and adjustment of contract price due to cost increases. The total value of the dispute exceeded EUR 15 million.
Case published 8.1.2025
We are advising Oomi Oy in a business transaction whereby KSS Energia Oy’s consumer and business customers in the retail sale of electricity will be transferred to Oomi. The transfer is scheduled to take place in March 2025. The arrangement requires approval from the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority. Oomi Oy is one of the largest energy service companies and electricity sellers in Finland. The arrangement is a result of the recent development of the electricity market and Oomi’s strategy, which aims to offer customers a seamless and improved digital customer experience.
Case published 20.12.2024
We acted as the lead counsel to Fortum in a cross-border transaction in which Fortum sold its recycling and waste business. The business was sold to thematic impact investing firm Summa Equity through its portfolio company NG Group. The debt-free purchase price is approximately EUR 800 million.  Fortum’s recycling and waste business to be sold comprises municipal and industrial waste management and end-to-end plastics, metals, ash, slag and hazardous waste treatment and recycling services. These businesses are located in Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Norway and currently employ approximately 900 employees.
Case published 18.7.2024